Antigua

Antigua

La Antigua Guatemala was founded on the 10th of March 1543 and was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1979. This beautiful and enchanting colonial city has almost 500 years of history, excellent climate and extraordinary views of the Fire and Acatenango volcanoes. Built at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level in the Panchoy Valley, in a region prone to earthquakes, the city was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773, but its most important monuments are still preserved as ruins. In less than three centuries, the city, built on a grid pattern inspired by the Italian Renaissance, has produced a number of magnificent monuments. Time stands still in this city, trapped within the thick walls of its temples, convents and colonial houses. The city's attractions include the Palace of the General Captains, the Convent and Arch of Santa Catalina, the Plaza Mayor, the Jade Museum, the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, the Museum of the University of San Carlos, the Holy Route of Brother Pedro and many more. It is also a city of handcrafts like traditional weavers, pottery, silver and gold articles, metal articles, traditional confectionery and gastronomic specialties. La Antigua is well known for its religious celebrations during Lent, which precedes Holy Week and Easter. One of the local parishes sponsors a procession through the streets of Antigua every Sunday during Lent. The paths of the procession are decorated with elaborate and artistic carpets, mostly made of colored sawdust, flowers, pine needles, and even fruits and vegetables.