Hagåtña

Hagåtña is the capital of Guam and one of the smallest capitals anywhere, a few thousand people in a low grid between the hills and the sea, and it holds what is left of the island's Spanish-era administrative centre: the plaza, the cathedral, the remains of the governor's palace and the latte stones moved here from the interior. Most of the town was destroyed in 1944 and rebuilt. The city was the seat of Spanish administration in the Marianas for over two centuries.

Background

Hagåtña, once spelled Agana or Agaña, stands on the west coast of Guam where the Hagåtña River reaches the sea. The original Chamorro form of the name was restored in 1998. From the 18th century until the middle of the 20th it was the main population centre of the island. By area and population it now ranks second smallest among the 19 villages of Guam, covering 1 square mile, with 943 residents at the 2020 census. It remains one of the main commercial districts on the island. Rain is especially high from June to November, and August averages 436 mm.

Source: Wikipedia, "Hagåtña, Guam"

The main sights

• The plaza - the Spanish-era public space at the centre.
• The cathedral basilica - the Dulce Nombre de Maria on the plaza.
• The latte stone park - the pillars brought here from the interior.
• The rebuilt town - a centre reconstructed after 1944.

When to go

December to June is the drier season. Typhoon season runs roughly July to November. Mornings are cooler for walking.

Good to know

Very little pre-1944 fabric survives and what stands is largely reconstruction. The town is quiet and most of the island's activity is at Tumon. Half a day covers it.

Nearby

Tumon is north, and Plaza de España is in the centre.

Key facts