San Jose Cathedral (ruins), Antigua

The Ruins of San José Cathedral, are among the most significant colonial monuments in Antigua Guatemala. Construction of the first cathedral on this site began in 1545, but poor workmanship left it vulnerable, and much of the roof collapsed during the earthquake of 1583. In 1670, work began on a magnificent new cathedral worthy of the colonial capital. Completed after more than a decade, it featured five naves, eighteen chapels, a soaring central dome, and a lavish interior adorned with ivory, silver, mother-of-pearl, paintings, and finely carved religious sculptures. Although it survived the earthquakes of 1689 and 1717, the weakened structure was devastated by the Santa Marta earthquakes of 1773, prompting the relocation of Guatemala's capital.

Today, two restored chapels form the active Church of San José, where visitors can admire a revered sculpture of Christ. Behind the church lie the cathedral ruins, where collapsed arches, towering pillars, broken masonry, and the vast roofless dome vividly illustrate the scale of the original building.

At the rear of the former nave, steps descend into an atmospheric burial vault that is still used for traditional Maya ceremonies, reflecting Guatemala's enduring blend of Indigenous and Catholic beliefs. Located beside Central Park, the cathedral ruins are an essential stop for anyone wishing to appreciate Antigua's colonial grandeur and remarkable architecture.