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A8 LOCAL
Monday 8 april 2024

Alto Vista chapel and its link to Aruba’s origins

According to Etnia Nativa, in the Spanish crown and Rome. In 1752
18th century most of the inhabit- the prosecution passed into the
ants of Aruba were indigenous who hands of Antonio Silvester’s son-
lived on the north coast, one of the in-law, Miguel Álvarez, who con-
largest communities lived in Alto tinued to guide the parishioners in
Vista. their prayers.

As they were very religious, they According to the book, The His-
had a chief with the name of An- tory of Alto Vista by R.H. Nooyen,
tonio Silvester who guided them it is not known when Domingo An-
in the Christian life and it was he tonio Silvester came to Aruba from
who decided to build a stone cha- Venezuela. The elders believe An-
pel with a roof of corn rods, which tonio was a Spaniard. In 1780, fa-
would serve as a place of prayer. ther Joseph Antonio de la Vegal
In 1750 it was blessed by Father called Bernardino Silvester, one of
Algamesi who came from Coro- Antonio’s sons with his wife Anna
Venezuela and appointed Domin- Cathalina Tromp, “neighbors and
go Antonio Silvester as the island’s naturals of the island Aruba” and
first prosecutor in the name of the thus they became natives.

At the end of the eighteen century
many inhabitants the island died
as a result of the black fever epi- new chapel on the same place. still the markings of an old house,
demic and since people believed The entire surrounding area was where Antonio and Bernardino Sil-
that the Alto Vista area was the empty and desolated, making it vester would have lived. About 200
most infected, they began to build hard to imagine that Alto Vista meters from the chapel there is a
their homes further south within the was a town at all. A hundred years water tank which the locals call
Noord area, so the town of Noord later, people can see the remains Tanki Cacique. In the past this tank
began to grow into a community of around twenty houses, some was closed. But mostly water was
till getting its own Church. However made of stone and others of clay. brought out from the Poz di Noord,
religious festivals continued to be Nowadays, only around six of these a well dug in the sand.
celebrated at this sacred native houses remain. The chapel can be viewed from
place, with the custom of arriving basically any point in the north
in procession to Alto Vista. South of the chapel in the yard side, even from Paradera and
two graves can be observed, Sero Plat. All the historical remains
Two-hundred years after the beau- there was the cemetery which fa- around the chapel provide us with
tiful time of Alto Vista, people can ther Pablo de Algemesi blessed. an idea on how the old people of
no longer see much of the town of It is not certain, but it is believed Alto Vista used to live. Don’t miss
Alto Vista from 1750. With a lot of that the two graves belong to An- the opportunity to visit a place of
work they found the old founda- tonio Silvester and Miguel Alvares, historical significance with a win-
tions of the Church of the Queen according to Nooyen. About 50 dow to Aruba’s past.
of the Holiest Rosary to build a meters near the chapel there are

Aruba Tourism Authority honored loyal visitors at Manchebo Beach

Resort & Spa!

The Aruba Tourism Authority re- Emerald Ambassador (35>years • Aruba’s people. On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Au-
cently had the great pleasure of consecutively visiting Aruba) • Aruba’s wonderful diving thority, we would like to express our
recognizing Distinguished Visitors spots. sincere gratitude and appreciation
of Aruba. These honorees were The honorees were: • Aruba´s sun, sand and sea. to the honorees for their continued
respectively honored with a cer- • Aruba’s shopping options. visits to the “One Happy Island”.
tificate acknowledging their years Distinguished Visitors • “Sun, Sun, Sun”
of visits, loyalty, and love for the is- Mr. Oliver Trisl & Mrs. Katja Kraus
land of Aruba. Trisl & Ms. Charlotte Trisl from Naila,
Germany.
The honor certification is presented
on behalf of the Minister of Tourism Mr. Jorgino Willems represent-
as a token of appreciation and to ing the Aruba Tourism Authority,
say “Masha Danki” to guests who and staff members of Manchebo
have visited Aruba 10, 20, or 35 Beach Resort & Spa bestowed the
years or more consecutively. certificate to the honorees, pre-
sented them with memorable gifts,
The three honoring levels are as fol- and thanked them for choosing
lows: Aruba as their best-loved vacation
destination, as their home away
Distinguished Visitor (10>years con- from home.
secutively visiting Aruba)
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years Top reasons for returning to Aruba
consecutively visiting Aruba) provided by the honorees were: