Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo
Antigua
Founded by Dominican friars in 1542, Santo Domingo became the biggest and richest monastery in Antigua. Following three 18th-century earthquakes, the…
Must-see attractions in Antigua
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Antigua
At the northern end of 5a Av is La Merced – a striking yellow building trimmed with white plaster filigree. Its facade is one of the most beautiful in…
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Antigua
The Arco de Santa Catalina is Antigua's most iconic monument, and an early-morning or late-afternoon photo opportunity framing Volcán Agua through its…
Antigua
Antigua's cathedral was begun in 1545, wrecked by the quake of 1773, and only partially rebuilt over the next century. The present sliver of a church –…
Antigua
Surrounded by superb colonial structures, this broad and beautiful plaza is the gathering place for antigüeños and visitors alike – a fine, verdant place…
Antigua
Antigua's municipal cemetery, southwest of the market and bus terminal, is a conglomeration of tombs and mausoleums decked with wreaths, exotic flowers…
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Antiguo Colegio de la Compañía de Jesús
Antigua
Established in 1626, the Jesuit monastery and college was a vital component of Antigua life until the order was expelled in 1767; just six years later,…
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Antigua
This church is imbued with the spirit of Hermano Pedro de San José de Bethancourt, a Franciscan monk who founded a hospital for the poor in Antigua and…
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Iglesia y Convento de la Recolección
Antigua
A serene air pervades the remains of the monastery of La Recolección, which stands well west of the center. Erected in the early 18th century by the…
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Antigua
Inaugurated in 1736 by nuns from Madrid, the convent of Las Capuchinas was seriously damaged by the 1773 earthquake and thereafter abandoned. Thanks to…
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Antigua
Completed in 1757, the Colegio de San Jerónimo was used as a school by friars of the Merced order, but because it did not have royal authorization, it was…
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Iglesia y Convento de Santa Clara
Antigua
Established by sisters from Puebla, Mexico, Santa Clara was inaugurated in 1734, destroyed four decades later by the great quake and abandoned…
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Antigua
In the garden outside this convent is a poignant statue of Hermano Pedro, the revered saint whose shadow looms large in Antigua. It was here that he died…
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Palacio de los Capitanes Generales
Antigua
Dating from 1549, the palace was colonial headquarters for all of Central America, from Chiapas to Costa Rica, until the capital was relocated in 1776…
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Antigua
This double-decker structure on the north side of the park dates from the 18th century. Besides town offices, the palace houses the Museo del Libro…
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Antigua
It was the Maya who discovered the culinary uses of the cacao bean, which later became a form of currency for the Aztec empire. These are a few of the…
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Antigua
The fascinating Museo del Libro Antiguo showcases the greatest hits of the early days of Guatemalan printing, plus a replica of Guatemala's first printing…
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Antigua
The church is not open to the public, but the partially destroyed facade with its multiple carved columns is a marvel. What we see today is what's left of…
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Antigua
Originally built as a shrine to house the image of Saint Joseph, this church stood completed for just 11 years before the 1773 earthquake laid it low. Its…
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Antigua
Well worth the ascent, Cerro de la Cruz provides fine views looking south over town toward Volcán Agua. The prominent cross at the head of the lookout…
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Antigua
Until recently the city prison, this edifice was initially built as a convent for the Carmelite order from Lima, Peru. Much of the interior was shattered…
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Iglesia y Convento de San Agustín
Antigua
Two blocks west of Parque Central, the stately facade of this building is just the shell of what was once a massive complex for the order of San Agustín,…
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Antigua
Displaying works by more than 70 Guatemalan artists in the halls and patio of a colonial mansion, Antigua's premier art gallery merits an extended visit…
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Iglesia de la Escuela de Cristo
Antigua
Within this remarkably well-preserved church is a life-size Christ figure, who is borne around town during Antigua's enormous Semana Santa processions…
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Antigua
Though little remains of this church on the northeast side of town, if you can't get enough of Antigua's religious ruins, it's worth a hike here to admire…
