During the colonial period, Aruba and many of her Caribbean neighbors experienced an influx of immigrants from throughout the world. As Aruba was once a colony of The Netherlands, the Dutch influence on Aruban culture is still strong and many current residents are descendents of Dutch colonizers. However, because of the diversity of peoples that have called this island home, daily life in Aruba continues to be influenced by African, South American and native Caribbean cultures. Nowhere is this exciting diversity more apparent than in houses of worship found throughout Aruba. Though the island remains predominantly Catholic, nearly all of the world’s major religions are represented by the local population. Most importantly for tourists, Aruba features a wealth of special religious sites where visitors of all faiths can experience peaceful scenery and explore historic architecture.

One of the most photographed sights in Aruba is the beautiful Chapel of Alto Vista. Resting above the Caribbean Sea on an incredible bluff, this bright yellow chapel has long been a special destination for locals and tourists alike. Before you even arrive at the site, the white crosses lining the road to the chapel – signifying the Catholic Stations of the Cross – will let you know you’ve found a uniquely peaceful place. As the chapel was built during colonial times by both Spaniards and native Indians, the chapel is also referred to as the Pilgrim’s Church. No matter what you call it, the chapel provides one of Aruba’s most serene and captivating experiences.

The Santa Ana Catholic Church, also known as the Church of Noord, features one of the finest examples of Neo-gothic sculpture in the Caribbean. The incredible altarpiece was crafted in 1870 by Dutch artisan Hendrik van der Geld and was met with great accolades at the first Vatican Council, held that same year in Rome. After spending some time in residence at the Antonius Church in The Netherlands, the altarpiece was given to the Santa Ana Church in Aruba. The Santa Ana Catholic Church was first constructed in 1776 and was rebuilt twice in the 19th century. The church was last renovated in 1916 and today remains one of the island’s most important buildings. Located just outside of Aruba’s capital of Oranjestad, the Santa Ana Catholic Church is a fascinating piece of the island’s history that can be enjoyed by visitors of all faiths.

While the Santa Ana Catholic Church and the Chapel of Alto Vista were first constructed in the 18th century, Aruba’s Protestant Church represents the island’s oldest original house of worship. Erected in 1846 to support Aruba’s growing Protestant population, the elegant church is known for its terracotta roof, large tower and traditional wooden shutters. As the exterior is also adorned with simplistic folk-art decorations including hearts and stars, the church is often compared to the finest structures of Pennsylvania Dutch country. Though the Protestant Church is usually locked, visitors can explore the grounds – including the quaint Bible museum – each weekday from 10am to 12pm.

Jewish families visiting Aruba often visit the Beth Israel Synagogue, a pleasant house of worship dating to the early 20th century. While the Jewish population in Aruba numbers only 35 families today, the synagogue was once an important cultural center for Caribbean and European immigrants. However, over the years, the Beth Israel Synagogue has become an important destination for travelers. Today, most of the families visiting the synagogue for Friday night services are tourists enjoying a spiritual home away from home. The Beth Israel Synagogue also features a small gift shop that sells a variety of uniquely Aruban Judaica.

While many of the churches of Aruba are certainly worth a visit, one of the most interesting religious sights on the island is the Lourdes Grotto. Located just off the picturesque leading from San Nicolas to the northeastern coast, the Lourdes Grotto is located in one of Aruba’s most peaceful locales. In 1958, a priest and his parishioners carefully tucked a statue of the Virgin Mary weighing several hundred pounds into the blackened hillside known as Seroe Preto. Much like the famous Catholic landmark in France from which the grotto borrows its name, this hillside shrine has become an important destination for locals and tourists alike. Each year on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes (February 11), a large procession of local Catholic and curious visitors embark on a procession from the St. Theresita Church in San Nicolas to hold mass at Lourdes Grotto.

As the island of Aruba has recently passed a marriage law allowing travelers to wed on the island, these unique religious landmarks have also become the sites for many beautiful ceremonies. While the best of resorts in Aruba are able to provide accommodations and lavish receptions, many of these houses of worship can offer visiting couples an opportunity to celebrate their union in a peaceful and spiritual environment. While it may not be possible to wed in some of Aruba’s churches, couples hoping to tie the knot on the island can contact their resort and work with a wedding specialist to secure the best location for their ceremony.

Whether you want to attend services or simply see some unique historical sites, the churches of Aruba welcome all visitors with open arms. As many of the island’s houses of worship sit in remarkably peaceful locales, tourists can also take time to relax and witness incredible scenery. Regardless of your faith, the churches of Aruba provide some of the most captivating sights on the island.

About the Author

Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Aruba for the Marriott Resorts.

Everything you need to know about New Zealand vacations the wonderful scenery, lively cities, outstanding food and wines as well as the fascinating culture.

New Zealand vacation is the most isolated as well as the beautiful country in the entire world. Most of them think that the country is been just off coast of the Australia plus tend to lump two together, over 1200 miles of the water separates two countries.

On the New Zealand vacation, you will experience some of most dramatic as well as unspoiled scenery anywhere on the earth. New Zealand also boasts the Snowcap Mountains, the deep blue lakes, geysers, forest, plus the boiling pools of the mud. South Island contains the country's utmost mountains, that includes Mount Cook at about 12,000 feet; and the North Island contains more volcanic bustle
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New Zealanders don’t take their gorgeous country only for granted, several towns as well as cities have the walking trails as well as a third of land is designated as the National Park. Also some parts of the New Zealand look very familiar, the country's remarkable and unblemished landscapes are also featured in Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

One thing you will notice is that it is thinly populated. Sheep outnumber citizens by ten to one. The sea has been very important for the people who are in New Zealand for vacations since Maoris settled on two islands about 1000 years ago. Although this country is thinly populated, it has also been more and more cosmopolitan, attracting the immigrant from the entire world. Several New Zealanders are of the British dive; there are many immigrants from the China, Korea as well as Japan.

You can also discover in New Zealand vacation, the white water rafting, the skiing, hiking, sky diving, sizzling air ballooning, kayaking plus swimming with the sharks. For the accurate thrill-seeker, the extreme of the extreme sports, as well as the bungee jumping.

While in New Zealand vacation undoubtedly is the major destination for the outdoors fans, the country boasts the sophisticated cities as well as the fascinating traditions. New Zealand also been recognized for the quality wines in the current years. The country also has the six major wine rising regions also it is possible to use up your entire time while simply touring the vineyards.

Auckland is known for the City of Sails; it is where many of the international visitors turn up. It is one of the largest as well as the cosmopolitan city and presents a wide collection of shops, galleries, nightlife as well as restaurants. Lots of visitors are totally surprised by the quality of dining in the Auckland.

Maoris were first inhabitants of the New Zealand as well as it is very difficult to travel in the country without approaching across the reminders of their traditions and influence. Auckland Museum is the great place to get familiar with the Maori culture. One place that is not to be missed is East Cape, one of the very last place where Maori language is the part of the everyday life.

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