|
Colonial monument Convento
y Arco de Santa Catalina Martir,
landmark of Antigua: On December 27, 1609, four nuns of the Purìsima
Concepciòn monastery were authorized to build the Convent of Santa
Catalina Virgen y Martir. On May 10, 1613, the construction of the convent
began. Construction of the church began in 1626, but was not completed until 1647.
The convent became so popular that the number of nuns outgrew the
facilities, forcing them to use part of the next block connected only by
the arch. The arch was built in July of 1693 and allowed the nuns to
cross the street without being seen. This section of the city was
the are most affected by the earthquake of Santa Marta in July 29, 1773
at 3:30pm. Now, only the church ruins, the principal building (actually
the Hotel Convento Santa Catalina Martir), and the arch are the only
structures left after all of the calamities of Mother Nature.
View of the Arch and the Hotel Convento.
Today this
place is considered one of the most attractive colonial architectures of the
city. You can still see the originality of that epoch when you enter in
the main court yard of the building.
Colonial monument Iglesia de la
Merced: 1
Calle Poniente and 6 Avenida Norte
This beautifully ornate church
and convent was once the home of the Mercedarian friars. Though it
was built shortly before the 1773 earthquake, it suffered little damage
and today is fully restored. Today, it is the site of many of the
local religious festivals and is worth seeing because of its impressive
Churrigueresque facade. It also holds the image of Jesus, carved in
1650, that is carried through the streets during the Palm Sunday
procession.
BACK TO TOP
Colonial monument Convento las
Capuchina:
2 Avenida Norte and 2 Calle
These beautiful ruins are well
worth seeing. The Capuchin nuns from Madrid lived here and
enjoyed rather luxurious accomodations, including a private bathroom for
each room. There is a two-story tower used by the nuns for
seclusion.
 Fountain
at Las Capuchinas Convent
Colonial monument Convento de Santa
Clara: 6
Calle and 2 Avenida Sur
Founded in 1699, this convent
has a beautiful patio and garden area. The nuns who lived here came
from the wealthy families of Puebla, Mexico and were known for their baked
goods. The 1717 earthquake destroyed most of the original buildings,
but they were rebuilt in 1734.
Colonial monument Ruinas de La
Recoleccion:
Near the Iglesia de San Jerónimo at 1 Calle Poiniente and the Alameda
de Santa Lucía
This is one of the most
beautiful settings in all of Antigua. The magnificent columns and
arches that make up these ruins will take you back to ancient times.
BACK TO TOP
<< PREVIOUS
PAGE
|
