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What historical attractions can I visit in Guam on a one week vacation?

Home » Guam » Guam - A One Week Itinerary » What historical attractions can I visit in Guam on a one week vacation?

Guam’s historical attractions are an important part of the culture and life of Guam and so make perfect destinations for the tourist. With all there is to experience, one week will never be enough. However, you can pick out what interests you the most and start there. 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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