Welcome to Antigua, Guatemala

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Antigua, Guatemala

Catedral de San José

Tour stop audio transcript

Catedral De San José is a Roman Catholic church in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala. The original church was built around 1541, but suffered several earthquakes throughout its history, and the first church building was demolished in 1669. The cathedral was rebuilt and consecrated in 1680. By 1743 the cathedral was one of the largest in Central America. However, the devastating 1773 Guatemala earthquake seriously damaged much of the building, though the two towers at the front remained largely intact. These have undergone restoration work, and the cathedral has been partly rebuilt.

Parque Central (Plaza Mayor)

Tour stop audio transcript

Parque Central is the heart of the city. The reconstructed fountain there is a popular gathering spot. Off to the side of the Central Park, the Arco de Santa Catalina is among the many notable architectural landmarks of La Antigua.

La Merced

Tour stop audio transcript

La Merced Church is a baroque church that was first established as a monastery by the Mercedarians in the former Santiago de Guatemala. The cross in stone at the atrium and the rooms behind the main altar are the oldest structures in La Merced and date from the seventeenth century. In 1749 Juan de Dios Estrada was commissioned with the construction of the luxurious sanctuary and cloister. He erected a building of low height designed to withstand earthquakes based on the experiences of the tremor of 1751. Arches and columns are wider to cope with the quakes. It was opened in 1767.

Santa Catalina Arch

Tour stop audio transcript

The Santa Catalina Arch is one of the distinguishable landmarks in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, located on 5th Avenue North. Built in the 17th century, it originally connected the Santa Catalina convent to a school, allowing the cloistered nuns to pass from one building to the other without going out on the street. A clock on top was added in the era of the Central American Federation, in the 1830s.

5a Avenida Norte

Tour stop audio transcript

Fifth Avenue North is the northern main road in Antigua. It begins at El Parque Central, runs beneath The Santa Catalina Arch and dead ends at La Merced. It is known for its shops, cafés, and street musicians.

San Cristóbal el Alto

Tour stop audio transcript

San Cristobal El Alto is a small mountain that provides sweeping views of the Panchoy Valley and volcanoes from the Cerro San Cristóbal organic farm and restaurant. It is located approximately 15min from Parque Central. Along with the unique view of Antigua, the land features a large orchid greenhouse, cactus, herb and ornamental plant nursery, a consecrated Maximon shrine, traditional Mayan sauna, demonstrations of foot-loom and back-strap weaving, and tours of the organic farm with composting and worm-culture areas.