The ruins of Antigua, Guatemala are one of its most unique and charming features. They are picturesque, serene places to relax while exploring the city’s colonial history. Antigua’s ruins attract tourists as much as they do locals, who hold weddings and events there. With many ruins to see, all costing a fee for entrance, I’ve listed them in priority order to help you decide which ones to visit with limited time in Antigua!

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1. Convento de la Merced

Next to the beautiful yellow and white La Merced church are the ruins of a 16th-century convent. It has a massive pink fountain in the courtyard and spectacular views from the second floor and the church’s rooftop, which you access through the convent. This is a must-visit sight in Antigua. Don’t miss it!

Iglesia de la Merced & Convento de la Merced antigua guatemala church convent fountain top best can't miss sights ruins to visit
Iglesia de la Merced & Convento de la Merced antigua guatemala church convent top sights
view antigua guatemala convento de la merced

2. Convento Santa Clara

Convento Santa Clara is an 18th-century convent and church partially destroyed by the 1773 earthquakes. There’s a stunning, well-preserved stone church that took my breath away when I saw it. The convent’s grounds are expansive with plenty to explore (and space for kids to run around), and there’s a beautiful courtyard with a fountain and gardens. It’s a unique, popular sight for people to have their weddings!

  • Convento Santa Clara is right across from Tanque La Unión, a colonial-era, communal laundry facility where women would come to do laundry and socialize. It’s one of my favorite places!

convento santa clara convent antigua guatemala ruins to visit top best can't miss sight

3. Ruinas de la Catedral

Behind San José Cathedral are the striking, roofless remains of the original cathedral’s structure. The cathedral’s arches and circular, domed ceilings contrast beautifully against the light that shines through.

  • You can also enjoy a view of the ruins over a glass of wine from the French restaurant Tartines.

Catedral San José & Ruinas de Catedral ruins antigua guatemala cathedral top sights

4. Convento Capuchinas

Convento Capuchinas is a former convent built in the 18th century that now serves as a museum. There are lovely well-preserved cloisters, courtyards, and nuns’ living quarters. Its most unique feature is the Torre de Retiro, a circular building or tower with about 19 nuns’ cells arranged around a round, central area. On the second floor is a small museum with religious art and artifacts from colonial times.

5. Convento la Recolección

Convento la Recolección is an 18th-century convent mostly in ruins, but some walls and arches remain intact. The highlight is the still-standing doorframe and staircase pictured below. This was my least favorite ruin to visit, but I think photography lovers would enjoy it more than the average person.

Convento la Recolección antigua guatemala ruins

6. Ermita San Jeronimo

Ermita means hermitage in English. I had to look this word up – it’s a place for religious devotion and solitude. Ermita San Jeronimo was built in the 18th century and is relatively small, with a charming courtyard and a view of Volcán de Agua. It’s more of an off-the-beaten-path place to relax, with a book or lunch, rather than for sightseeing. I’d recommend Ermita San Jeronimo for longer stays in Antigua.

Ermita San Jeronimo antigua guatemala ruins