Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, Antigua (must see)

The Antigua Guatemala Cathedral has stood on the eastern side of Central Plaza for centuries and remains one of the city's most important historic and religious landmarks. The first church on this site was constructed in 1541, shortly after Antigua became the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala. Repeated earthquakes severely damaged the original building, eventually leading to its demolition in 1669. A new cathedral was built in its place and consecrated in 1680. By 1743, it had become one of the largest and most magnificent churches in Central America, reflecting the wealth and importance of the colonial capital.

The cathedral's fortunes changed dramatically after the devastating Saint Martha earthquakes of 1773, which caused much of the immense structure to collapse and prompted Spain to relocate the colonial capital to present-day Guatemala City. While the upper bell towers and columns were completely broken or leveled by the tremors, the main central tiers of the Baroque facade managed to stay standing. During the 19th century, part of the church was restored for worship, while the ruined sections were preserved, creating one of Antigua's most fascinating historical sites.

The restored Baroque façade overlooking Central Plaza is particularly admired for its harmonious proportions, sculpted niches, and statues of numerous saints. The plaza in front of the cathedral, with its elegant fountain, provides an excellent vantage point from which to appreciate the building's impressive architecture. Inside the active parish church, visitors can admire restored sacred artwork, graceful stone columns, and a peaceful, intimate space for local prayer.

Behind the active church wall lie the spectacular, ticketed Ruins of the Cathedral of Santiago. Here, instead of a preserved high altar, visitors walk among massive collapsed blocks, empty brick niches, and a roofless sanctuary open to the sky. Towering brick arches, empty chapels, and underground crypts containing the historical burial vaults of early conquistadors illustrate the immense scale of what was once one of the grandest churches in the Spanish colonies.