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 are constructed of roughly finished coral stones cut from a quarry and plastered with a smooth lime mortar. The technique of using coral stone and mortar materials in contruction is called "manposteria", and provides strength able to withstand earthquakes. Ceiling beams are the durable native hardwood called "ifil" (Intsia bijuga) found in Guam's northern plateau. The roof has been restored to the original design with clay tile as it was in the Spanish days.
Incorporated into the Chocolate House are two Spanish coat-of-arms which were found in the debris of the Governor's Palace after World War II.

Go to Plaza de Espana or Guam Pictures