Antigua, Guatemala is a beautiful 16th-century colonial city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s surrounded by volcanoes and mountains with pastel-colored Spanish baroque buildings, the charming ruins of old cathedrals and convents, picturesque cobblestone streets, and incredibly friendly, welcoming locals. The city makes the perfect long weekend getaway (plan for 3-4 days!), with fantastic artisan coffee shops and gorgeous boutique hotels at every price point. These are the top 9 can’t-miss sights in Antigua, Guatemala!
Parque Central
Parque Central is the heart and soul of Antigua. It’s the city’s picturesque main square, surrounded by colonial-era buildings, where people gather on shaded benches, street vendors sell crafts and food, kids feed the pigeons, and the city hosts festivals and celebrations. At the center of the park is the lovely Mermaid Fountain, believed to have been designed after the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna, Italy.
Iglesia de la Merced & Convento de la Merced
La Merced church has a beautiful yellow and white facade adorned with intricate detail. Inside are several paintings, including a revered image of Christ carrying the cross known as Jesús Nazareno de la Merced. Next to the church is the ruins of a 16th-century convent. The convent has a massive pink fountain in the courtyard. Views from the convent’s second floor and the church’s rooftop are incredible.
Convento Santa Clara
Convento Santa Clara is an 18th-century convent and church partially destroyed by the 1773 earthquakes. It’s one of the best ruins to visit in Antigua. There’s a stunning, well-preserved stone church and a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and gardens. The grounds are a unique, popular site for weddings!
Catedral San José & Ruinas de la Catedral
The Spanish baroque-style San José Cathedral faces Parque Central and is a cultural landmark. Behind the cathedral are the striking, roofless remains of the original structure damaged in an earthquake.
Real Palacio de los Capitanes Generales & Museo Nacional de Arte de Guatemala
The Palace of the Captains General is on the south side of Parque Central. It served as the political and military headquarters for the Spanish colonies of Central America from the 16th century until the capital moved to Guatemala City after the 1773 earthquakes. Today, the palace houses government offices and the National Museum of Guatemalan Art (MUNAG). There are great views from the palace and museum, with art and artifacts on display from Guatemala’s pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern periods.
Tanque La Unión
Tanque La Unión was built in the 19th century as a communal laundry facility. Women would come to do laundry and socialize. There’s a big water reservoir and 22 individual stone basins lined up under the archway, protected from the sun. Today, Tanque La Unión is still a landmark in the community, where locals sit, relax, and socialize under the shaded archways or nearby at lovely Parque de la Unión.
Arco de Santa Catalina
The yellow Santa Catalina arch, with Volcán de Agua in the background, is the most iconic, photographed landmark in Antigua. It was built in the 17th century as a walkway for nuns who had taken vows of seclusion to go from the Convent of Santa Catalina to teach at a school across the street without being seen in public. The French-style clock tower was added in the 19th century and needs to be wound every few days. If you want to admire or photograph the arch without the crowds, go early in the morning.
Palacio del Ayuntamiento
The 18th-century City Hall is on the north side of Parque Central. It was home to the Spanish colonial government and now houses the city government and the Museum of Ancient Books. Many people only pass under the building’s beautiful stone archways, but go up to the second floor, and you’ll find the best view of the park and surrounding area! It’s the perfect perch to relax and people-watch from.
Cerro de la Cruz
Cerro de la Cruz, or Hill of the Cross, is just above the city with a nice panoramic view of Antigua and the Volcán de Agua. From the center, it’s a relatively moderate 20-30 minute walk up a shaded path to the top, or you can take a 75 GTQ tuk tuk. Don’t go too early in the morning or after dark because it’s a remote area where there have been muggings. If you only have a day or two in Antigua and it’s cloudy, I wouldn’t prioritize Cerro de la Cruz. I preferred the views from La Merced church and convent.
Leave A Comment