Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, former capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala in colonial days, is located 35 minutes from Guatemala City,the present capital, if you travel by automobile; one hour if you take a bus.
The road goes through the village of San Lucas, a place with an open air market where fruit, vegetables and typical beverages are sold. There are pine and cypress forests on both sides along the road until you reach the valley sheltering the colonial city per excellence.

At the foot of the Volcán de Agua sits the former colonial capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, now called La Antigua Guatemala, it was not the first colonial capital but it was the classical one of the spanish culture. Long ago, in 1773, many of its convents, churches and buildings were left partially destroyed after being badly shaken by an earthquake. But La Antigua Guatemala is the ideal place for those looking for the romantic atmosphere of colonial cities. You may visit different museums; the museum of the Ancient Book; Museum of weaponry; the first place of the old University of San Carlos de Borromeo, founded in the XVII century, which keeps valuable colonial paintings; Popenoe House, and the colonial churches and convents.

There, the beauty of a bygone era has remained frozen in time. The walls of the Captain General’s Building rise to meet a pale gold dawn, a view best seen from City Hall while by day, the cobbled streets are tranquil walkways for tourists on their way to see the intrincate carving on the cornices on the main square, or Plaza Mayor.Around every corner on this square, also known as El Parque, cozy cafés and eateries are waiting with Guatemalan delicacies guaranteed to please every palate.Outstanding among the colonia cities of Guatemala is La Antigua. Declared a Monument of the Americas and a World Heritage site, La Antigua has great historical value. Former capital of the territory encompassing Central America and Southern Mexico, this city was practically destroyed by a strong earthquake in 1773. It was abandoned three years later; its urban plan and colonial teatures preserved: cobblestone streets, fountains and plazas. More than 50 monumentes, including churches, convents and palaces dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, make La Antigua one of America’s most beautiful cities.
Holy Week in La Antigua Guatemala is even more spectacular than in Spain. Hundreds of men carry the immense platforms bearing colonial statues through streets decorated with multicolored carpets of sawdust and flowers. Local Catholics wear purple and white habits and with great pomp, parade with gigantic town-revered icons borne on litters on the shoulders of up to 100 men.

Near La Antigua are the ruins of Ciudad Vieja, founded by Pedro de Alvarado, the Conquistador of Guatemala. Ciudad Vieja was the country’s capital until 1541. Also close to La Antigua and worth a visit is the town of San Antonio Aguascalientes, famous for the quality and beauty of its handicrafts.
After the earthquakes of 1773, the capital was moved from the Panchoy valley (Antigua Guatemala) to the Ermita valley,(Guatemala city).

Iglesia

The Spanish Royal Tribunal decided to build a new city with a different architectural style, neoclassicism, which was then the height of fashion.
You may stay for the night in Antigua and leave the next morning for Iximché and Panajachel on the shore of Atitlán Lake. Like in Antigua, there are several beautiful hotels in Panajachel.