Page 376 - Micronesia
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Sightseeing & Historical Landmarks Sightseeing & Historical Landmarks
Magellan Merizo Pier Park structed in an effort to unify Merizo Conbento
Monument Located in the southern vil- the people of Merizo with (Kombenton Malesso’)
This site honors lage of Merizo, the pier offers organized community func- Known as the oldest build-
the first land- a gateway to nearby Cocos tions. The bell, which is no ing on Guam, the Merizo
ing on Guam by Island, a popular resort spot longer in operation, was rung Conbento was built by the
Spanish explorer for visitors. The Merizo Pier is to announce meetings, special Spanish to house the priest as-
Ferdinand Magel- also the site of an annual wa- events, and masses. Restored signed to San Dimas Catholic
lan in 1521. Each ter festival held each Novem- in 1981, it is now listed on Church. Constructed in 1858,
year on March 21, ber, the Malesso Fiestan Tasi. the National Register of His- the building demonstrates a
the people of Uma- toric Places. style introduced by Spain and
tac celebrate Discovery Day North Africa during the 1600s.
to commemorate the historic Santa Marian Kamalen Park The site is the only Spanish
occasion. The monument, lo- (Our Lady of Camarin) building still in use as a parish
cated within Umatac Bay Park, Adjacent to the Merizo Bell house.
overlooks a scenic view of the Tower, the Santa Marian
bay’s black rocky coastline. Kamalen Park honors the Tinta and Faha
island’s patroness saint. Our Massacre Sites
54 Cocos lsland Lady of Camarin, as she is As U.S. Forces 55
commonly known, is hon- approached
Five miles off Guam’s south- ored each year with a special Merizo in
celebration in December. WWII, Japanese
San Dionisio Catholic Church ern coastline, this 100-acre Although origins of the origi- soldiers mas-
nal statue vary, one legend sacred nearly 50
One of two churches built by a island resort is just a short states two crabs escorted the Chamorro men
patroness ashore more than and women at these sites in
group of Spanish missionaries ferry ride from Merizo. Water 300 years ago. The park con- two separate incidents on July
tains a replica of the beloved 15 and 16, 1944. The incident
called the Capuchins still left activities of all kinds includ- figure, while the original is sparked revolt from the vil-
housed in the Dulce Nombre lage’s people, who ended up
standing and still being used, ing jet skiing, windsurfing, de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in killing all Japanese soldiers in
the capital city of Hagåtña. the area, thus liberating them-
the San Dionisio Catholic snorkeling and quiet beaches selves from their control. Each
year, the people from Merizo
Church in Umatac is actually allow guests to experience the hold a ceremony at these sites
in remembrance of the men
the last of several buildings crystal clear waters surround- and women killed during the
liberation of Guam.
constructed on that site. In ing the small island. A ferry
1681, the first church was runs several times a day to the
destroyed by Chamorros who resort, where meals, snacks
opposed the Spanish occupa- and beverages are available.
tion. The second was deci-
mated by a typhoon in 1693. Merizo Bell Tow-
The present-day building, er (Kampanåyan
which overlooks Umatac Bay, Malesso)
was rebuilt by Father Marcelo Built in 1910 at
de Villava in 1939. Ruins of its the request of
predecessor buildings can be Father Cristobal
found about 50 yards east of de Canalas, this
the current church. tower was con-
