Architecture sights in Antigua
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A
Catedral de Santiago
The Catedral de Santiago was begun in 1542, demolished in 1668, rebuilt between 1669 and 1680, repeatedly damaged by earthquakes, wrecked in 1773, and only partly rebuilt between 1780 and 1820. The present cathedral, without its expensive original decoration, occupies only the entrance hall of the 17th-century edifice, and strictly speaking is not a cathedral but the Parroquia (Parish Church) de San José. It's most striking at night when it is tastefully lit.
More interesting by day are the remains of the main part of the cathedral, entered from 5a Calle Oriente. Slightly overhyping itself as 'the most important monument in the country,' it's nonetheless an impressive pl…
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B
Iglesia de San Francisco
Little of the original 16th-century Iglesia de San Francisco remains, but reconstruction and restoration over the centuries have produced a handsome structure. In the north transept is the tomb of Santo Hermano Pedro de San José de Betancurt (1626-67), a Franciscan monk who founded a hospital for the poor in Antigua and earned the gratitude of generations. He's Guatemala's most venerated local Christian figure, and was made a saint in 2002 when Pope John Paul II visited Guatemala.
His intercession is still sought by the ill, who pray fervently by the tomb. On the south side of the church are the Museo del Hermano Pedro and the ruins of the adjoining monastery.
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C
Iglesia y Convento de Santa Clara
Iglesia y Convento de Santa Clara was first completed in 1702, and the existing construction, inaugurated in 1734, was wrecked in 1773 but remains large and impressive. In front of the church is one of Antigua's prettiest plazas, lined with palm trees. At the eastern end are public clothes-washing sinks, where some women still come to do their wash, spreading their laundry out on the ground to dry.
Also in the plaza stands a gift made to Antigua (formally Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala) in 1988 by the city of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain: a cruceiro, a typically Galician stone cross carved with biblical scenes.
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D
Iglesia y Convento de La Recolección
The massive Iglesia y Convento de La Recolección is among Antigua's most impressive monuments. It's set a little ways out of town, and a serene air pervades the site. Built between 1701 and 1715, the church was inaugurated in 1717, but suffered considerable damage from an earthquake that same year. The buildings were destroyed in the earthquake of 1773: enormous chunks of masonry still lie jumbled around the ruined church.
You can clamber up to the second story for better views, but watch your step.
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E
Las Capuchinas
Inaugurated in 1736 by nuns from Madrid, Las Capuchinas, was seriously damaged by the 1773 earthquake and thereafter abandoned. Restoration began in 1943 and continues today. Looking around at the high, arched passageways, pretty gardens and stately courtyards, it's tempting to think that the nuns who lived here were onto a good thing. The building has many unusual features, including a unique tower-like building of 18 nuns' cells built around a circular patio.
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F
Arco de Santa Catalina
Arco de Santa Catalina was built in 1694 (to enable nuns to cross the street without being seen) and rebuilt with its clock tower in the 19th century.
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