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local Wednesday 26 July 2023
Alto Vista chapel and its link to Aruba’s origins

According to Etnia Nativa,
in the 18th century most of
the inhabitants of Aruba
were indigenous who lived
on the north coast, one of
the largest communities
lived in Alto Vista.

As they were very religious,
they had a chief with the
name of Antonio Silvester
who guided them in the
Christian life and it was he
who decided to build a
stone chapel with a roof
of corn rods, which would
serve as a place of prayer. they became natives. the Holiest Rosary to build
In 1750 it was blessed by Fa- a new chapel on the same
ther Algamesi who came At the end of the eighteen place. The entire surround-
from Coro-Venezuela and century many inhabitants ing area was empty and
appointed Domingo Anto- the island died as a result of desolated, making it hard
nio Silvester as the island’s the black fever epidemic to imagine that Alto Vista
first prosecutor in the name and since people believed was a town at all. A hun-
of the Spanish crown and that the Alto Vista area was dred years later, people
Rome. In 1752 the prosecu- the most infected, they be- can see the remains of
tion passed into the hands gan to build their homes around twenty houses,
of Antonio Silvester’s son- further south within the some made of stone and
in-law, Miguel Álvarez, who Noord area, so the town of others of clay. Nowadays,
continued to guide the pa- Noord began to grow into only around six of these
rishioners in their prayers. a community till getting its houses remain.
own Church. However re-
According to the book, ligious festivals continued South of the chapel in the
The History of Alto Vista by to be celebrated at this sa- yard two graves can be
R.H. Nooyen, it is not known cred native place, with the observed, there was the Silvester would have lived. the north side, even from
when Domingo Antonio Sil- custom of arriving in pro- cemetery which father About 200 meters from the Paradera and Sero Plat.
vester came to Aruba from cession to Alto Vista. Pablo de Algemesi blessed. chapel there is a water All the historical remains
Venezuela. The elders be- It is not certain, but it is be- tank which the locals call around the chapel provide
lieve Antonio was a Span- Two-hundred years after lieved that the two graves Tanki Cacique. In the past us with an idea on how the
iard. In 1780, father Joseph the beautiful time of Alto belong to Antonio Silvester this tank was closed. But old people of Alto Vista
Antonio de la Vegal called Vista, people can no lon- and Miguel Alvares, ac- mostly water was brought used to live. Don’t miss the
Bernardino Silvester, one of ger see much of the town cording to Nooyen. About out from the Poz di Noord, opportunity to visit a place
Antonio’s sons with his wife of Alto Vista from 1750. With 50 meters near the chapel a well dug in the sand. of historical significance
Anna Cathalina Tromp, a lot of work they found there are still the markings with a window to Aruba’s
“neighbors and naturals of the old foundations of the of an old house, where The chapel can be viewed past.q
the island Aruba” and thus Church of the Queen of Antonio and Bernardino from basically any point in

Aruba Tourism Authority honored loyal visitors at Casa Del Mar Beach Resort

The Aruba Tourism Author- a certificate acknowledg- presented on behalf of the Levine from Florida, United home.
ity recently had the great ing their years of visits, loy- Minister of Tourism as a to- States.
pleasure to recognize Em- alty, and love for the island ken of appreciation and Top reasons for returning to
erald Ambassadors of Aru- of Aruba. to say “Masha Danki” to Mr. and Mrs. Levine con- Aruba, provided by Mr. &
ba. This lovely couple was guests whom have visited tinue to bring their children Mrs. Levine were:
respectively honored with The honor certification is Aruba 10, 20, and 35 years and grandchildren to Aru- Aruba’s welcoming people
or more consecutively. ba to this day. Their grand- who have become like
children arrived in Aruba family to us.
The three honoring levels as babies and are now all Aruba’s safety.
are as follows: grown up. Aruba’s picturesque sun-
Distinguished Visitor sets & crystal-clear blue
(10>years consecutively Ms. Kimberley Richardson waters.
visiting Aruba) representing the Aruba The variety of restaurants to
Goodwill Ambassador Tourism Authority, and choose from.
(20>years consecutively staff members of the Casa The consistent weather.
visiting Aruba) Del Mar Beach Resort be-
Emerald Ambassador stowed the certificate to On behalf of the Aruba
(35>years consecutively the honorees, presented Tourism Authority, we would
visiting Aruba) them with gifts, and also like to express our sincere
thanked them for choos- gratitude and apprecia-
The honorees were: ing Aruba as their favorite tion to Mr. & Mrs. Levine for
Emerald Ambassadors Mr. vacation destination, and always having Aruba dear
Richard & Mrs. Barbara astheir home away from to their hearts.q