Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, Antigua

Antigua Guatemala Cathedral, Antigua (must see)

Antigua Guatemala Cathedral stands on the site of a church originally constructed in 1541. Several earthquakes damaged the original building, leading to its demolishment in 1669. Another building took its place, consecrated in 1680. This church was one of Central America's largest by 1743. The 1773 earthquake caused substantial damage, but the two towers at the building's front escaped most of the damage.

This cathedral enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Site status, with the facade being particularly impressive for many visitors. Statues of multiple saints grace the front. There are ruins from the previous part of the building destroyed in the earthquake that visitors can see, with the arches being particularly impressive. A plaza area outside the church features an impressive fountain.

Some of the sights to see inside the cathedral include sacred art that has been the subject of restorations. The high altar is one of the most well-preserved areas. At nightfall, the cathedral is impressively illuminated.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Antigua. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Antigua Guatemala Cathedral on Map

Sight Name: Antigua Guatemala Cathedral
Sight Location: Antigua, Guatemala (See walking tours in Antigua)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Antigua, Guatemala

Create Your Own Walk in Antigua

Create Your Own Walk in Antigua

Creating your own self-guided walk in Antigua is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Antigua Introduction Walking Tour

Antigua Introduction Walking Tour

Antigua, Guatemala, which is sometimes known as La Antigua, dates back to 1543. This city was the third capital of the Spanish colony. Surrounded by volcanoes, the city of Antigua is a small yet very picturesque example of Spanish colonial architecture. Jesuit and Franciscan orders have had a presence in this region since the 17th century, contributing to its rich colonial religious life.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Antigua Museums

Antigua Museums

A combination of Spanish colonialism and Mayan culture has given rise to a wealth of heritage in Guatemala. The evidence of this is particularly visible in Antigua, a small town yet fascinating place to visit in Latin America. The local museums are well worth exploring for anyone wishing to learn about the country's history in general and some of its aspects in particular.

The Casa Santo...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Ancient Ruins of Antigua

Ancient Ruins of Antigua

In places like Antigua Guatemala, it feels as if a time machine has already been invented. This glorious ancient town breathes history in all its streets, houses, fountains, and courtyards, but above all the great ruins, which are impossible to miss against the impressive backdrop of Agua Volcano. The latter is responsible for these ruins in the first place, having caused a series of earthquakes...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles