INFORMATION ON THE COLONIAL MONUMENTS OF ANTIGUA GUATEMALA

Antigua Guatemala was one of the most important cities during the colonial period, and was used by the Spanish to control their empire in what is now Central America. The city was built in the Spanish tradition, using a grid layout. You will find convents, monasteries and churches on almost every block. Here are some of the most important colonial monuments and sites to see on a day tour:

Central Park and the Cathedral  

The Cathedral This colonial monument s located on the east side of the central park.  What is now known as the cathedral is actually the second Cathedral of Santiago.  The original church was built in 1543, but had to be rebuilt in the late 17th Century after heavy earthquake damage.  Today, the facade is a reconstruction of what the cathedral looked like before it fell during the 1773 earthquakes.

Remains of many dignitaries of the colonial period, such as Don Pedro de Alvarado, were buried under the cathedral.   

Plaza de Armas, now known as the Parque Central, is a central spot in Antigua. It has plenty of benches to sit, relax and enjoy Antigua.  In the center of the park is the Fuente de las Sirenas.  On Sundays, the park is packed with families and venders selling ice cream and toys for kids. 

On the south side of the park is the Palacio de los Capitanes, which for over 200 years was the seat of the Spanish colonial government.  The original building, completed in 1558 has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt after the many earthquakes. In 1735, the Mint was housed in this building and today you will find the police and other government offices in the building.

On the north side of the park is the Palacio del Ayuntamiento, which was the headquarters of city government.  Today, there are still government offices upstairs and the bottom floor houses the Museum of Santiago, a collection of weapons and other artifacts. 

El Palacio del Ayuntamiento

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Landmark of Antigua

Arch of Santa Catalina, part of the original convent, which is now the Hotel Convento

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