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Will I have enough time to visit historical attractions in Guam?

Home » Guam » Guam - A One to Three Day Itinerary » Will I have enough time to visit historical attractions in Guam?

If you’re visiting Guam even for just a few days and are looking for something exciting and perhaps even educational to do with your time, Guam’s historical attractions are a great option. And since you only have a few days, you can choose only the parks, statues, churches, or other attractions that interest you the most. Here are some of your options:

• Latte Stone Park – One of the pieces of ancient Chamorro culture that has survived as an intricate part of Guam’s heritage is Latte Stones. Today, Latte Stones and their replicas, representing ancient Chamorro’s cultural affects on Guam, can be seen throughout that island and the Marianas. Eight Latte Stones originally from Me’pu can be found in Latte Stone Park in central Agana.
• Two Lovers Point – This small park and observatory honors the legend of two lovers, separated by their respective Spanish and Chamorro births, who plunged off a cliff and to their deaths to prevent having to be separated. Lovers Point Park offers not only the legend to its visitors but also incredible views of the cliff and Tumon Bay.
• War in the Pacific National Historic Park – There are six units that make up the WAPA including Asan Beach (one of the major American landing points in 1944), Asan Village, Piti, Mount Chacho, Alifan, and Agat. At this memorial, visitors can observe guns, caves, and other incredible Japanese relics as well as celebrate the bravery of those who campaigned in the Pacific Theater of World War II. There are also many incredible views of Guam throughout the park.
• Padre Diego Luis San Vitores Shrine – This shrine honors the Jesuit missionary leader who was killed amidst the strife between the Chamorros and the Spanish. It is located near where the slaying took place and shows the priest with the mother baptizing Chief Mata’pang’s daughter without his permission and the chief holding a sword over them. This is one of the most popular attractions in Guam.
• Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica – When Spanish Jesuit missionaries came to Guam, this was the first church built by the Chamorros. After it was destroyed in World War II, the present Dulce Nolbre de Maria was reconstructed on its original building area. Its presence helps to demonstrate not only the Spanish architectural style given to Guam in this era but also the importance of Catholicism to the Guamanian culture – another of Spain’s influences.
• Fort Santa Agueda – In its important position above the city of Agana and the bay, this fort was used in protection of the harbor until the Spanish-American War. The remnants are a sight to behold!
• Fort Nuestra Senora de la Soledad – This 19th century fort was one of the last Spanish forts to be constructed and sits on the cliff near Umatac. This fort was restored in 1995.
• Fort Santo Angel – One of the four forts that is in the Umatac area of Guam, Fort Santo Angel is the oldest fort still in existence, though only some of its walls remain. It has several lookouts, including San Jose, which is noted for being close to the water’s edge.
• Chief Kepuha (Quipuha) – Known as the chief who accepted the Catholic religion for the Chamorros, this Chief of Agana not only was the first Guamanian to be baptized and embrace Catholicism for the island; he was also the individual who gave the land that would have the first Catholic Church constructed on it. This statue honors Chief Kepuhu for his contribution to the Guamanian culture.
• Santo Papa as Juan Pablo Dos Monument – After Pope John Paul II visited Guam in 1981, this monument was constructed to honor the site were he held mass.
• Statue of Liberty – A replica of the United States Statue of Liberty, this famous attraction in Guam was built by the Boy Scouts of America in 1950 and is located at the opening of the Agana harbor.
• Plaza de Espana – This was the Spanish Governors Palace and was destroyed during the shelling of Agana in World War II. However, three of its structures – the back porch, the Chocolate House, and the gate – still remain for visitors to see.
• Sumay Cemetery – The Spanish and Chamorro Sumay cemetery is all that is left of the village of Sumay, the first village attacked by the Japanese in World War II. The United States now uses Sumay as part of the American Naval Station located today; however, the cemetery’s oldest headstone dates the deceased from 1812.
• Merizo Bell Tower – In an attempt to create a higher standard of living for the Merizo people, this tower was build in 1910 to announce town events, religious times, and other directions for the village. This bell tower is no longer being used but still remains one of the most famous landmarks in the South of Guam.
• War Dog Memorial – A unique memorial, this attraction honors the many Dobermans that assisted the Marines during World War II. Many of these animals were killed while scouting, guarding, exploring, and even saving men.

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