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Meridiela.

Hagåtña

Guam's small capital, holding what survives of the island's Spanish-era centre.

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Typecapital
WhereHagåtña
Nearest cityHagåtña
Best seasonDecember to June
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereOn the western coast of Guam; road from Tumon, around ten minutes
EntryFree

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.

What you actually see

  • 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.

Honest expectations

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.

What to pack for Hagåtña

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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