A Drive Around Guam, USA

Stop 1 - Downtown Hagatna, Guam

A composite panorama of Hagatna, taken from Fort Santa Agueda

Hafa Adai! -- Welcome to Guam! The capital of Guam is generally known to be Agana. But in late 1998, the Guam Legislature change the city's name to its original Chamorro spelling of Hagatna. Let's begin with a composite panorama of the city taken from Fort Santa Agueda, which sits on a hill just inland from the downtown district. On the distant horizon at the left is a plateau that ends in a shear cliff -- that's Two Lovers Point. A little closer, but still in the background is a bay with high-rise buildings along the water's edge -- that's the Agana Bay with some of Guam's luxurious hotels. At the center of the left edge of the photo is the Hagatna Marina. And at the center of the right edge of the photo is the Dulce Nombre de Maria (Sweet Name of Mary) Cathedral Basilica.

Spanish cannons at Fort Santa Agueda

Fort Santa Agueda was erected by the Spanish in 1800 to help defend the Agana harbor. Today, the only thing that remains is the fort's massive rock and mortar foundation. The site, however, provides a wonderful 360 degree panorama. Right next door to Fort Santa Agueda is the Governor of Guam's official residence.

Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathderal Basilica

Although downtown Agana is mainly a business and commercial district, there are many historic and cultural sites within easy walking distance of each other. One of the more prominent in the Agana skyline is the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica. It was constructed in 1669 under the guidance of Padre San Vitores, one of the first and most renowned of the Spanish missionairies who came to Guam.

Plaza de Espana, the Spanish Governor's palace

Almost directly adjacent to the cathedral is Plaza de Espana, which is the grounds and remains of buildings that were once the palace of the Spanish Governor of Guam. In addition to this stately walled entrance, part of the main residence, a gazebo, and a cooking building remain within the beautifully landscaped garden area.

Latte Stone Park

A couple blocks behind Plaza de Espana lies Latte Stone Park. The eight latte stones that are preserved here are believed to have been erected by ancient Chamorros as early as 500 B.C. Although their purpose is not definitely known, a common belief is that they served as the foundation for some type of building.

Chamorro Village Market

Located directly adjacent to the Agana Marina, Chamorro Village Market is a cluster of small shops and public display areas where local artisans can display and sell their arts and crafts, and local performers can entertain with traditional Chamorro music and dance. In recent years, Wednesday evening "fiestas" have become a traditional meeting place for families and friends. Among the eating places in the Chamorro Village Market is (believe it or not) an excellent Jamaican grill!

The Governor of Guam's main office complex

Driving away from downtown Hagatna, headed south, we soon arrive at an attractive cluster of white, red-roofed buildings near the coastline. This is the complex where the Governor of Guam and several government agencies have their main offices. Other Government of Guam agencies have offices in various parts of the island. Now we will continue to drive away from the developed areas and toward the natural beauty of the southern section of the island.

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Last Updated: January 1, 2003