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Antigua's Colonial History
Colonial ambiance, culture, bars, restaurants, markets...
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Antigua is located in the center of Guatemala, in the department of Sacatepéquez. Although it is the smallest department in the country covering only 465 square kilometers, it is also the most densely populated. This department, and particularly its regional capital, Antigua, is one of the main tourist attractions in the country.
Antigua Guatemala is 45 kilometers distant from Guatemala City. It was the third capital established by the Spaniards. Founded in 1543, it was named Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala in 1566.
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After enduring plagues, earthquakes, and floods, the earthquake of 1773 finally destroyed it. In spite of being abandoned when the new capital was built, its inhabitants gradually returned to give it life once again, and today it is one of the country's main attractions. This urban jewel of colonial architecture conserves its original characteristics as if time had stopped. Due to its immense historical and cultural value, the UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1979.
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At the heart of this city is the Main Plaza, which has the traditional layout used during the Spanish colonial era. Surrounding the plaza are the Palace of the Captain Generals, the Town hall, the former Cathedral and today the church of San José, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Portal de las Panaderas. At the plaza's center is the so-called Mermaid Fountain, built by the count of La Gomera in remembrance of a popular legend about a king whose daughters gave birth but refused to nurse their babies, so he had them tied to a post at the center of a spring, where they died of thirst and hunger. Today, four mermaids hold their breasts to provide the city with water. Built in 1749 by Diego de Porres, it has become Antigua's emblem.
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Guatemala's former cathedral was built between 1543 and 1680 and had an elaborate baroque façade constructed of white mortar in the characteristic style of Antigua's churches. It has smooth columns and a belfry that had to be rebuilt after the Santa Marta earthquake of 1773.
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The majestic construction of this building granted it the category of "Metropolitan" in 1743 by Pope Benedict the XIV. Splendid stucco figures constructed in the 17th century adorn the main entrance. Toward the back of the edifice are the ruins of the cathedral, wherein the dome's columns and pendentives are decorated with angels; other remains of the building still evidence its great beauty.
Several handicrafts markets are located in Antigua, the main one being on La Calzada near the bus terminal, and the other on 3rd Street. They are open throughout the year and are a meeting place for Antigua's visitors who come to admire their explosive display of colors and to buy handicrafts, textiles, sculptures, toys, and leather goods.
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