Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala, the colonial jewel of the Americas, is found just 30 minutes from Guatemala City. Set in a fertile valley dedicated to coffee farming and overlooked by three beautiful volcanoes. Antigua is one of Guatemalan’s best-loved tourist destinations, with lovely colonial architecture draped by bright tropical flowers, stunning religious processions, outstanding Spanish schools, and fine hotels and restaurants. Day trips from Antigua Guatemala take visitors to nearby villages such as the weaving community is San Antonio Aguas Calients, to the top of Agua or Pascaya volcanoes, to the Iximche archaeological site and to the town of San Juan Colamala, farmed for its tradition of painting.

History

Antigua Guatemala, originally named Santiago de Los Cabelleros, was one the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, which stretched from Chiapas all the way to Costa Rica, The city was founded on March 10, 1543, following destruction of the first Guatemalan capital in nearby Ciudad Vieja but a flood in 1541. Like Mexico City to the north and Lima in the south, Guatemala’s capital served as an administrative and judicial center for Spanish empire. As time passed, it grew to become a cultural and religious center as well. The third university in the Amerucas, the University of San Carlos, was founded here in 1676. The first printing press arrived in 1660. At the height of its glory, it contained 16 religious ordesr with their respective monasteries and convents, 38 churches and many other religious structures. Spanish architects struggled to adapt buildings to violent earthquakes that plagued their new city, rebuilding it after and earthquake in 1717. Finally, after the city was destroyed yet again by a massive earthquake on July 29, 1773. Guatemala’s governor decided to relocate the capital, moving is to the Ermita Valley, where Guatemala City is found today.