Page 507 - Visitor Guides

Sightseeing & Historical Landmarks Sightseeing & Historical Landmarks

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