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Antigua, Guatemala (March 2007)

Antigua is among the world's best preserved colonial cities. It makes you feel that time stopped 300 years ago. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Founded in 1543 by survivors from nearby Ciudad Vieja, which had been destroyed by a flood and an earthquake, Antigua became the third capital of Spanish Guatemala. By the 17th century, it flourished as one of the richest capitals of the New World. Surrounded by 3 magnificent volcanoes: Agua, Acatenango and Fuego, Antigua was subject to disasters from volcanic eruptions, floods, and earthquakes. In 1773, a series of earthquakes leveled the city. In 1776, the Spanish captain general ordered that the capital be moved to a plain supposedly free from earthquakes to the present day Guatemala City. Antigua is the most vibrant during the Lent season and Easter Week, when the streets are decorated with elaborate “carpets” made of colored sawdust and flower petals, and when the religious processions take place. To see the carpets and religious processions, click on: https://pbase.com/taboo5/carpet_procession_in_antigua_guatemala_march_2007
Antigua, Guatemala cover page.
Antigua, Guatemala cover page.		 Map of Guatemala with the star indicating Antigua.
Map of Guatemala with the star indicating Antigua.		 View of the Arch of Santa Catalina, which spans Calle del Arco.
View of the Arch of Santa Catalina, which spans Calle del Arco.		 Built in the early 17th century, the arch was part of the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Built in the early 17th century, the arch was part of the Santa Catalina Monastery.
Clock tower of the Arch of Santa Catalina.
Clock tower of the Arch of Santa Catalina.		 I was walking north on Calle del Arco when a man carrying a heavy load walked towards me.
I was walking north on Calle del Arco when a man carrying a heavy load walked towards me.		 I stopped in a souvenir shop on Calle del Arco and met this handsome feline who was napping on some Guatemalan fabrics.
I stopped in a souvenir shop on Calle del Arco and met this handsome feline who was napping on some Guatemalan fabrics.		 Bartoleme de las Casas (1484-1566), a Spanish Dominican priest was partly responsible for the repeal of Indian slave labor laws.
Bartoleme de las Casas (1484-1566), a Spanish Dominican priest was partly responsible for the repeal of Indian slave labor laws.
Side view of the Iglesia y Convento de Nuestra Señora de La Merced, Antigua’s most striking colonial church.
Side view of the Iglesia y Convento de Nuestra Señora de La Merced, Antigua’s most striking colonial church.		 In 1773, an earthquake struck, and the convent was destroyed. Repairs to the church were made from 1850 to 1855.
In 1773, an earthquake struck, and the convent was destroyed. Repairs to the church were made from 1850 to 1855.		 The baroque façade of La Merced dates from this 1850 to 1855 period.
The baroque façade of La Merced dates from this 1850 to 1855 period.		 View of the exquisite upper façade of La Merced, the most intricately decorated façade in all of Antigua.
View of the exquisite upper façade of La Merced, the most intricately decorated façade in all of Antigua.
Detail of a beautiful doorway of La Merced.
Detail of a beautiful doorway of La Merced.		 View of the interior of La Merced with a domed ceiling.
View of the interior of La Merced with a domed ceiling.		 Close-up showing the altar.
Close-up showing the altar.		 Worshippers praying in front of a side altar inside of La Merced.
Worshippers praying in front of a side altar inside of La Merced.
A beautiful Guatemalan carpet on display for the Lent season in front of the worshippers.
A beautiful Guatemalan carpet on display for the Lent season in front of the worshippers.		 Nice fountain that is next to La Merced.
Nice fountain that is next to La Merced.		 View of the fountain with La Merced in the background.
View of the fountain with La Merced in the background.		 Verdant passageway inside Casa Santo Domingo convent. This colonial-era convent housed the order of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.
Verdant passageway inside Casa Santo Domingo convent. This colonial-era convent housed the order of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.
Some gardens inside the convent which is now a hotel.
Some gardens inside the convent which is now a hotel.		 Nice tile walkway with buildings in the background.
Nice tile walkway with buildings in the background.		 Passageway with interesting perspective.
Passageway with interesting perspective.		 Walkway leading to some ruined buildings of the Casa Santo Domingo convent.
Walkway leading to some ruined buildings of the Casa Santo Domingo convent.
A dilapidated wall which was formerly part of the convent.
A dilapidated wall which was formerly part of the convent.		 A nice fountain among the Casa Santo Domingo convent ruins.
A nice fountain among the Casa Santo Domingo convent ruins.		 Vendors camped out in front of the ruins of the Church of el Carmen.
Vendors camped out in front of the ruins of the Church of el Carmen.		 Remains of the ornate baroque façade of the Church of El Carmen which was completed in 1728.
Remains of the ornate baroque façade of the Church of El Carmen which was completed in 1728.
This market is a bargainer's paradise.
This market is a bargainer's paradise.		 Tourist going by El Carmen in a horse and buggy.
Tourist going by El Carmen in a horse and buggy.		 Ruins of the Church of el Carmen with a typical Guatemalan 3-wheeled taxi going by.
Ruins of the Church of el Carmen with a typical Guatemalan 3-wheeled taxi going by.		 Side view of the Church of Capuchinas which is connected to the convent and was completed in 1736.
Side view of the Church of Capuchinas which is connected to the convent and was completed in 1736.
Façade of the Church of Capuchinas.
Façade of the Church of Capuchinas.		 Interior of the Church of Capuchinas.
Interior of the Church of Capuchinas.		 Interior courtyard and fountain in the Convent of Capuchinas, founded in 1736 by nuns from Madrid.
Interior courtyard and fountain in the Convent of Capuchinas, founded in 1736 by nuns from Madrid.		 Close-up of fountain. The nuns who lived in this convent were prohibited from having any visual contact with the outside world.
Close-up of fountain. The nuns who lived in this convent were prohibited from having any visual contact with the outside world.
A wide angle photo of City Hall. Construction began on it in 1740 by Diego de Porres, master architect of Antigua.
A wide angle photo of City Hall. Construction began on it in 1740 by Diego de Porres, master architect of Antigua.		 Today, it is the seat of the municipality of the city. Also, several museums are housed here.
Today, it is the seat of the municipality of the city. Also, several museums are housed here.		 People enjoying the beautiful Parque Central in Antigua.
People enjoying the beautiful Parque Central in Antigua.		 People in front of a bird bath in Parque Central.
People in front of a bird bath in Parque Central.
Close-up of the bird bath with the fountain in the background.
Close-up of the bird bath with the fountain in the background.		 View of the fountain that is in the middle of Parque Central.
View of the fountain that is in the middle of Parque Central.		 A closer view of the fountain.
A closer view of the fountain.		 In this photo, you can see the fountain's risque mermaids!
In this photo, you can see the fountain's risque mermaids!
View from the south side of Antigua's Parque Central of the Palace of the Captains-General.
View from the south side of Antigua's Parque Central of the Palace of the Captains-General.		 The Palace of the Captains-General was, for more than two centuries, the seat of Spanish colonial government.
The Palace of the Captains-General was, for more than two centuries, the seat of Spanish colonial government.		 While the two-tiered arched façade has been restored, the present palace is but a small remnant of the former complex.
While the two-tiered arched façade has been restored, the present palace is but a small remnant of the former complex.		 Details of the upper façade of the Palace of the Captains-General.
Details of the upper façade of the Palace of the Captains-General.
I took a walk through the interior arched passageway of the Palace of the Captains-General.
I took a walk through the interior arched passageway of the Palace of the Captains-General.		 This is another passageway that goes along the merchant stores on the west side of Parque Central.
This is another passageway that goes along the merchant stores on the west side of Parque Central.		 A quaint horse and buggy scene in front of the Palace of the Captains-General.
A quaint horse and buggy scene in front of the Palace of the Captains-General.		 Horse and buggy rides are popular with Antigua's tourists.
Horse and buggy rides are popular with Antigua's tourists.
View in the background of the Cathedral of Santiago located on the east side of Antigua's Parque Central.
View in the background of the Cathedral of Santiago located on the east side of Antigua's Parque Central.		 It was started in 1542, damaged by several earthquakes and badly ruined in 1773. The current cathedral was rebuilt by 1820.
It was started in 1542, damaged by several earthquakes and badly ruined in 1773. The current cathedral was rebuilt by 1820.		 Façade of the Cathedral of Santiago. While impressive, it lacks the former grandeur of the original cathedral.
Façade of the Cathedral of Santiago. While impressive, it lacks the former grandeur of the original cathedral.		 Details of the upper façade of the cathedral.
Details of the upper façade of the cathedral.
Close-up of religious carvings on the upper façade.
Close-up of religious carvings on the upper façade.		 I took this photo of the Cathedral of Santiago at night.
I took this photo of the Cathedral of Santiago at night.		 A wedding took place place at the cathedral. The bride was standing with the groom behind her.
A wedding took place place at the cathedral. The bride was standing with the groom behind her.		 The bride with some of the younger members of the wedding party.
The bride with some of the younger members of the wedding party.
People leaving the cathedral after the wedding was over.
People leaving the cathedral after the wedding was over.		 Interior view of the altar of the Cathedral of Santiago.
Interior view of the altar of the Cathedral of Santiago.		 Side entrance to the Cathedral of Santiago.
Side entrance to the Cathedral of Santiago.		 The cathedral was largely ruined the earthquake of 1773. Except for the front, much of the cathedral is still ruined.
The cathedral was largely ruined the earthquake of 1773. Except for the front, much of the cathedral is still ruined.
These open areas were once beautiful domes.
These open areas were once beautiful domes.		 Much of the cathedral is skeletal, without a roof and pillars.
Much of the cathedral is skeletal, without a roof and pillars.		 Despite the ruined condition, there are still details showing the beautiful colonial architecture.
Despite the ruined condition, there are still details showing the beautiful colonial architecture.		 More intricate carvings at the top of the cathedral's columns.
More intricate carvings at the top of the cathedral's columns.
This man was reading the paper in front of the Cathedral of Santiago.
This man was reading the paper in front of the Cathedral of Santiago.		 A street vendor was selling fruit nearby.
A street vendor was selling fruit nearby.		 It looked like there was a buggy race in front of the cathedral.
It looked like there was a buggy race in front of the cathedral.		 Architectual details above the Colonial Museum which is across from the Cathedral of Santiago on 5a Ca Oriente (street).
Architectual details above the Colonial Museum which is across from the Cathedral of Santiago on 5a Ca Oriente (street).
The Colonial Museum was formerly the University of San Carlos which was founded in 1675.
The Colonial Museum was formerly the University of San Carlos which was founded in 1675.		 Horse and buggy passing on 5a Ca Oriente in front of the Colonial Museum.
Horse and buggy passing on 5a Ca Oriente in front of the Colonial Museum.		 The wooden doors of the entrance to the Colonial Museum.
The wooden doors of the entrance to the Colonial Museum.		 As I was turning the corner onto 2a Avenida Sur, this firetruck went speeding by.
As I was turning the corner onto 2a Avenida Sur, this firetruck went speeding by.
The Church of Hermano Pedro and the adjacent Hospital of San Pedro.
The Church of Hermano Pedro and the adjacent Hospital of San Pedro.		 Both are named after the 17th century Spanish-born Franciscan monk Hermano Pedro de San José Betancourt.
Both are named after the 17th century Spanish-born Franciscan monk Hermano Pedro de San José Betancourt.		 I also took a photo of the Church of Hermano Pedro and the adjacent Hospital of San Pedro at dusk.
I also took a photo of the Church of Hermano Pedro and the adjacent Hospital of San Pedro at dusk.		 I took this photo of the Church of Hermano Pedro at night.
I took this photo of the Church of Hermano Pedro at night.
View of Union Park which is next to the Church of Hermano Pedro and the adjacent Hospital of San Pedro.
View of Union Park which is next to the Church of Hermano Pedro and the adjacent Hospital of San Pedro.		 A monument in the park symbolizing the encounter of the two sides of the sea (Spain and Guatemala).
A monument in the park "symbolizing the encounter of the two sides of the sea" (Spain and Guatemala).		 At the other end of the park are the ruins of the Santa Clara church and convent and this pool with arches.
At the other end of the park are the ruins of the Santa Clara church and convent and this pool with arches.		 I was intrigued by the reflection of the arches in the water.
I was intrigued by the reflection of the arches in the water.
The water was like a mirror image.
The water was like a mirror image.		 Through this arch was a horse and buggy and driver.
Through this arch was a horse and buggy and driver.		 Close-up of the horse and buggy and driver and the driver's reflection.
Close-up of the horse and buggy and driver and the driver's reflection.		 View of the arches where the horse and buggy and driver were. Note the Volcán de Agua (mountain) in the background.
View of the arches where the horse and buggy and driver were. Note the Volcán de Agua (mountain) in the background.
Photo of the rear of the pool and arches at dusk.
Photo of the rear of the pool and arches at dusk.		 The front of the pool and arches at night.
The front of the pool and arches at night.		 Wall and doorway of the ruins of Santa Clara church and convent. Six nuns founded the convent in 1699.
Wall and doorway of the ruins of Santa Clara church and convent. Six nuns founded the convent in 1699.		 It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1717. The present building was built in 1734 and destroyed in another earthquake in 1773.
It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1717. The present building was built in 1734 and destroyed in another earthquake in 1773.
Some Guatemalan people and this horse were in front of Santa Clara.
Some Guatemalan people and this horse were in front of Santa Clara.		 This horse and buggy were also in front of Santa Clara.
This horse and buggy were also in front of Santa Clara.		 Further down Santa Clara on 1 a Av Sur was this building with an ornate entrance.
Further down Santa Clara on 1 a Av Sur was this building with an ornate entrance.		 This is the corner wall of San Francisco Church, the most important religious center in Guatemala.
This is the corner wall of San Francisco Church, the most important religious center in Guatemala.
This view of the corner wall was taken with a wide-angle lens.
This view of the corner wall was taken with a wide-angle lens.		 Arched entrance of San Francisco Church.
Arched entrance of San Francisco Church.		 The original structure is from 1579. The church remains, but the adjacent convent was destroyed in the earthquake of 1773.
The original structure is from 1579. The church remains, but the adjacent convent was destroyed in the earthquake of 1773.		 Pilgrims come to San Francisco to ask favors to Beatro Pedro de Betancourt (Spanish-born Franciscan monk who was made a saint).
Pilgrims come to San Francisco to ask favors to Beatro Pedro de Betancourt (Spanish-born Franciscan monk who was made a saint).
Ornate interior and arched ceiling of San Francisco Church.
Ornate interior and arched ceiling of San Francisco Church.		 View of the upper façade of the church.
View of the upper façade of the church.		 The bell tower of San Francisco Church.
The bell tower of San Francisco Church.		 The top of the church adorned with statues of saints and a cross.
The top of the church adorned with statues of saints and a cross.
The cloister of the Hispanic-moorish style University of San Carlos (today, the Museum of Colonial Art) built in 1676.
The cloister of the Hispanic-moorish style University of San Carlos (today, the Museum of Colonial Art) built in 1676.		 More streets scenes with a church in the background.
More streets scenes with a church in the background.		 This 3-wheeled taxi was coming my way. They are usually red and are a common sight in Guatemala.
This 3-wheeled taxi was coming my way. They are usually red and are a common sight in Guatemala.		 I took a tour of Antigua, and was taken to the El Meson De Candelaria Hotel with a courtyard.
I took a tour of Antigua, and was taken to the El Meson De Candelaria Hotel with a courtyard.
The hotel is located on Calle De Los Duelo.
The hotel is located on Calle De Los Duelo.		 El Meson De Candelaria had some typical Guatemalan sculptures such as this one.
El Meson De Candelaria had some typical Guatemalan sculptures such as this one.		 Another Guatemalan sculpture in the hotel.
Another Guatemalan sculpture in the hotel.		 This is the back of the hotel with buganvilias growing on this tile-roofed building.
This is the back of the hotel with buganvilias growing on this tile-roofed building.
Nice Guatemala artifact on the hotel wall depicting angels.
Nice Guatemala artifact on the hotel wall depicting angels.		 Another ruined building near the Jade Museum.
Another ruined building near the Jade Museum.		 The guide took me to the Jade Factory and Museum, the largest jade operation in Central and South America.
The guide took me to the Jade Factory and Museum, the largest jade operation in Central and South America.		 Replica of a Mayan burial mask (dated 527 AD) discovered in a tomb in Tikal.
Replica of a Mayan burial mask (dated 527 AD) discovered in a tomb in Tikal.
An impressive doorway in Antigua.
An impressive doorway in Antigua.		 A quiet street in Antigua.
A quiet street in Antigua.		 A typical white colonial house in Antigua.
A typical white colonial house in Antigua.		 Another typical Antigua house.
Another typical Antigua house.
A great doorway on Calle de la Concepcion with a dramatic sky.
A great doorway on Calle de la Concepcion with a dramatic sky.		 The man in the purple robe was part of the religious procession that took place that day.
The man in the purple robe was part of the religious procession that took place that day.		 Close-up of the door.
Close-up of the door.		 This fabulous door knocker was on the door.
This fabulous door knocker was on the door.
Beautiful tiled sign for Calle de la Concepcion.
Beautiful tiled sign for Calle de la Concepcion.		 This wonderful ironwork covering this interesting window was also on Calle de la Concepcion.
This wonderful ironwork covering this interesting window was also on Calle de la Concepcion.		 Street view of 4a Ca Poniente as I was walking west towards the Artisans' Market.
Street view of 4a Ca Poniente as I was walking west towards the Artisans' Market.		 Ruins of the Compañía de Jesús built by the Jesuits in 1626. It was damaged in earthquakes.
Ruins of the Compañía de Jesús built by the Jesuits in 1626. It was damaged in earthquakes.
Street scene as I walked further west on 4a Ca Poniente.
Street scene as I walked further west on 4a Ca Poniente.		 A blind and obese beggar that I saw while walking.
A blind and obese beggar that I saw while walking.		 Side view of St. Augustin monastery and church built by the Augustinians in the early 1600's.
Side view of St. Augustin monastery and church built by the Augustinians in the early 1600's.		 Construction took almost 50 years. The façade is rich with images of saints.
Construction took almost 50 years. The façade is rich with images of saints.
Another ruin that I passed by in Antigua that had a purple flowering tree in the foreground.
Another ruin that I passed by in Antigua that had a purple flowering tree in the foreground.		 Front entrance of the convent of Santa Clara founded by nuns from Pueblo, Mexico in 1699.
Front entrance of the convent of Santa Clara founded by nuns from Pueblo, Mexico in 1699.		 View of the fountain of Santa Clara through the entrance.
View of the fountain of Santa Clara through the entrance.		 The beautiful geometric fountain in the center of the courtyard has a flower-like shape.
The beautiful geometric fountain in the center of the courtyard has a flower-like shape.
Santa Clara was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1717. After the earthquake of 1773, it was abandoned.
Santa Clara was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1717. After the earthquake of 1773, it was abandoned.		 When it was functioning, Santa Clara had two levels housing 50 nuns.
When it was functioning, Santa Clara had two levels housing 50 nuns.		 The outer south wall of Santa Clara shows how damaged it is.
The outer south wall of Santa Clara shows how damaged it is.		 An even bigger ruin is the Iglesia y Convento de la Recolección (the church and monastery of la Recolección).
An even bigger ruin is the Iglesia y Convento de la Recolección (the church and monastery of la Recolección).
The monks had a hard time getting permission to build this monastery.
The monks had a hard time getting permission to build this monastery.		 After getting permission, it was started in 1701 and inaugurated in 1715.
After getting permission, it was started in 1701 and inaugurated in 1715.		 Two years later, it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1717.
Two years later, it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1717.		 Later, it was restored, but in 1976, the famous arch that was still standing fell.
Later, it was restored, but in 1976, the famous arch that was still standing fell.
La Recolección is the place to see large-scale ruins with huge chunks of walls and ceilings lying all over the place.
La Recolección is the place to see large-scale ruins with huge chunks of walls and ceilings lying all over the place.		 It looks like the earthquake just happened yesterday, instead of in 1717!
It looks like the earthquake just happened yesterday, instead of in 1717!		 This wall with the tower goes along the north part of the front of the property where La Recolección is located.
This wall with the tower goes along the north part of the front of the property where La Recolección is located.		 Antigua's brightly painted buses are called chicken buses because there is a good chance you may ride with one!
Antigua's brightly painted buses are called "chicken buses" because there is a good chance you may ride with one!
Outside of La Posada de Ron Rodrigo Hotel where I stayed on Calle del Arco, this Guatemalan band performed.
Outside of La Posada de Ron Rodrigo Hotel where I stayed on Calle del Arco, this Guatemalan band performed.		 This Guatemalan boy played the maracas.
This Guatemalan boy played the maracas.

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