Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Oranjestad (must see)

The Pro Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi stands as the main Roman Catholic church on the island. Built in 1919, the church is a cornerstone of Oranjestad's cultural and architectural heritage. The church's tower, for a considerable period, served as a prominent reference point for sailors, being the highest structure in the area.

The current structure is the fifth Saint Francis Church built on this location, reflecting a journey of resilience and continuity. The first Saint Francis Church, constructed between 1809 and 1813, had walls of plaited branches and a roof of cornstalks, collapsing during a rainstorm in 1828. The second Saint Francis Church, consecrated in 1828, faced a similar fate, collapsing before its official consecration. The surviving parts were swiftly rebuilt.

The third Saint Francis Church, with the foundation stone laid on April 22, 1864, collapsed before consecration, leading to a partial reconstruction of the surviving elements. The fourth SaintFrancis Church, consecrated on May 1st, 1871, shared design similarities with Saint Anne's Church in Noord, both being creations of the priest Stephanus van de Pavert.

The Saint Francis Church is part of the Franciscan complex, which includes an accompanying rectory.