Aruba Landmarks

For such a small island, Aruba has a plethora of historical and natural sights. Check out some of these Aruba landmarks to make your island experience unforgettable.

History and the Arts

Aruba's Archaeological Museum features Arawak artifacts collected from around the island. Visiting this museum is a great way to get a taste of Aruban history; the collection features bowls, pottery, utensils, and mummified remains from different time periods. Additionally, the Museo Historico Arubiano contains relics and displays on the historical connection between Aruba and the Netherlands along with displays on Aruba's independent national history.

The Museo Historico is located at Fort Zoutman, a well-known Aruba landmark and the oldest structure on the island. The fort is named after a Dutch admiral who defeated the British during the struggle for imperial power in the Caribbean. In addition to the museum, there are many craft shops at the Fort. On Tuesdays, the Bon Bini Festival is a great place to shop for Aruban arts and crafts.

Aruba's main artistic venue is the Cas di Cultura, which showcases a wide variety of artistic talents. The Cas features local and international performers in wide variety of folklore, music, and dance performances. Here, one can attend a rock show or a ballet, possibly in the same evening.

Church History and Architecture

Art, architecture, and religious history combine in Aruba's churches. Built in 1952, The Alto Vista Chapel marks the site of the first Aruban Catholic Church, originally built by Spanish missionaries in 1750. On the way to the Alto Vista, you may pass by the gold mining ruins at Balashi. Other Aruba landmarks include St. Anna Catholic Church, well-known for its beautiful 1870 hand-carved wooden altar. Lourdes Grotto is a religious shrine that was built to honor the Virgin Mary, who is said to have appeared to children at this spot in 1858. The grotto, which is quite small but beautifully built, is usually overflowing with flowers, candles, and incense offered in worship to the Virgin.

Nature Sights

From caverns to rock formations, natural wonders abound on Aruba. The island devotes a great amount of money to natural preservation in the form of parks. Wilhelmina Park is a shady grove area with public benches and lots of space for picnicking and enjoying the scenery. The Bubali Bird Sanctuary is home to hundreds of local and migratory birds.

The California White Sand Dunes is a flat area of land covered in bright white sand dunes and small green tufts of vegetation. The California Lighthouse is a popular lookout point, especially at sunset, when locals and tourists alike gather to watch the natural display.

The Casibari rock formations are one of the island's most peculiar sights. Boulders seem to be randomly strewn across the area, with no real explanation for their position. Larger boulders have stairs built onto them so you can climb up and view the surrounding areas. A gift and food shop are available on the site.

The Guadirikiri Caves are part of the Arikok National Park and are home to preserved Arawak petroglyphs. The Fontein Caves also feature such preserved drawings, and both caves have gorgeous natural formations. Another cave, called the Tunnel of Love, allows visitors to get down and dirty with nature, and is not meant for the weak of heart. Extending mostly underground, the Tunnel of Love is a fascinating Aruba landmark, unless you happen to be claustrophobic.

Aruba is full of great sights above and below ground. The whole family will find something interesting and enjoyable during an Aruban vacation.