Monuments

Rancho Lime Kiln * 1892

Category: Oranjestad
Address: Ranchostraat
Year Built: 1892
Open to Public: Yes
Ownership: Monuments Fund Aruba

The lime kiln located on Ranchostraat was constructed in 1892 by Mr. Santiago Tromp.

Kilns, giant ovens, were employed on the island for the production of lime. The process involved heating coral stones and shells until they were reduced to powder, and water was subsequently added to quench the mixture. The lime produced was utilized for plastering and painting houses and structures. In the past centuries, lime kilns – locally known as ‘forno di kalki’ – were found at several places on the island, wherever shells and coral stones were found.


The burning of lime stone often took place in temporary kilns, just a pit in the ground where lime stone was stacked upon wood and so on, reaching a pile of 10 feet high. The ignition of the wood meant a huge party for hundreds of spectators who gathered to make music and dance around the fire.

The lime kiln located on Ranchostraat is the sole surviving lime kiln in Aruba. The furnace remained in operation until approximately the mid-20th century.

In 1970, the kiln underwent a restoration effort. In 2019, it received a comprehensive restoration conducted by the Monuments Fund Aruba.