Plaza de España & Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral
Plaza de España, Hagåtña
The former seat of the Spanish colonial governors in central Hagåtña, this plaza sits beside the island's Catholic cathedral and Latte Stone Park and offers a compact look at Guam's colonial history.
Plaza de España was the site of the Spanish colonial governor's palace. Most of the complex was destroyed in the American bombardment during the 1944 recapture of Guam, but the arches, walls, the Kiosko (bandstand), and a small gazebo known as the 'Chocolate House' remain. This is where the governor's wife once served hot chocolate to guests. Next to the plaza is the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica, Guam's first Catholic church, originally built in 1669. The current white church was rebuilt in 1959 and houses a 17th-century statue of the Virgin Mary. Latte Stone Park is a three-minute walk away. It displays latte stones moved from the south of the island, the pillar-and-cap foundations of ancient Chamorro houses, which are a cultural symbol of Guam. Admission is free. Getting there: a taxi from Tumon Bay takes about 15 minutes, and the plaza pairs well with a visit to the Chamorro Village night market. Tip: keep quiet inside the cathedral and avoid visiting during Mass.
Opening hours
Square all day; church open by day
Nearby sights
- Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica
- Guam Museum
- Latte Stone Park
- Fort Santa Agueda
- Chamorro Village Night Market
- War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Asan Beach)
- Fish Eye Marine Park
- Ypao Beach Park