Saint Sebastian Church, Antigua

Saint Sebastian Church in Antigua holds a significant place in the religious and cultural history of the region. Founded originally as a hermitage in 1565, it was relocated to the foot of Cerro del Manchén by Juan de Cuéllar around 1582. This church, dedicated to Antigua's protector, Saint Sebastian, was constructed to serve the burgeoning spiritual needs of the local population.

By the end of the 17th century, it was elevated to the status of a parish church, a critical development that coincided with its recovery from an earthquake in 1631. Saint Sebastian became a central institution in the city, notably serving as one of the three key parishes, alongside Candelaria and Los Remedios, overseeing the ancient city of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala.

Throughout its history, Saint Sebastian Church has faced numerous challenges, particularly from natural disasters. The Santa Marta earthquakes in the 1770s inflicted severe damage, leading to the church functioning temporarily from the partially damaged structure after the original parish was moved to Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción in 1776. In 1804, it merged with the parishes of Candelaria and Los Remedios to form the Parish of San José, operating from the ruins of the Cathedral of Santiago de Antigua Guatemala.

The church's resilience was further tested by additional earthquakes in the second half of the 19th century, culminating in its abandonment in 1874. It remained mostly in ruins until a catastrophic earthquake in 1976 nearly obliterated it, leaving only the façade largely intact. A partial reconstruction at the end of the 20th century used brick prominently, highlighting a new phase in its architectural history.

Notably, the church also holds a special place in the cultural heritage of Guatemala, having been the baptismal site of the esteemed Jesuit poet and priest, Rafael Landívar. It was mentioned in the 1620 work of theologian Antonio Vázquez de Espinosa, underscoring its significance and the extensive reach of its religious services during that era.