Plaza De Espana

    The Governor's Palace housed the office and residence of the Spanish governor.  It was totally destroyed during the liberation of Guam.  However, portions of the foundation may still be seen today.

    The Governor's Palace, called Casa Govierno under Spanish rule, was reconstructed in 1885 to replace the original structure built in 1736.  The two story manposteria building featured a cantilevered balcony with clay tile roofing.  During that time, living quarters were situated on the second floor while the first floor was used as the office of the Sargento Mayor de la Plaza, weapons storage, and clerical offices.

    American rule implemented changes in the Palace including laying a cement floor and converting the lower storerooms into administrative office spaces.  The second floor contained a reception area, the dining room, galleries and private spaces for the governor and his family.  Kitchen facilities and servant's quarters were located in the rear section of the building.

    The circular Chocolate house, also known as the Summer House, served as a social meeting place within the Plaza garden.  The Spanish custom of serving hot chocolate during late afternoons to the governor's guests was later replaced by afternoon tea served by the American governor's wife. 

    The Chocolate House illustrates typical Spanish building methods.  Walls were constructed of roughly finished coral stones cut from a quarry and plastered with a smooth lime mortar.  This technique is called "manposteria", and provides strength able to withstand earthquakes.  Ceiling beams are a durable native hardwood.

    The elevated Azotea, also of manposteria construction, survived World War II.  It was originally an open air porch on the Palace.  The clay tile roof was added after the war.

	The Chocolate House	Azotea
		The Garden House
	Latte Stone