Antigua Guatemala served as the capital of Spanish Central America until a series of devastating earthquakes in 1773 prompted the colonial government to relocate to modern-day Guatemala City, the ruined convents and churches left behind, many deliberately preserved in their damaged state rather than rebuilt, give Antigua a uniquely melancholic beauty framed by three surrounding volcanoes.
Earthquake Ruins
Santa Clara Convent and Capuchinas Convent, both left partially ruined since the 18th-century earthquakes, are preserved specifically in their damaged state, climbing among the crumbling archways and roofless naves gives a genuinely different sense of colonial history than a fully restored building would.
Iglesia de La Merced, one of the churches that survived largely intact, contrasts with its ruined neighbours and includes an elaborate fountain shaped like a giant shell in its courtyard, said to be the largest of its kind in Central America.
Volcanoes and Coffee
Volcán de Fuego, one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes, is regularly visible erupting small plumes of ash and lava from Antigua, particularly dramatic viewed from the summit of the neighbouring (dormant) Acatenango volcano on an overnight hiking trip.
The volcanic soil surrounding Antigua produces some of Guatemala's best coffee, and farm tours through the surrounding highlands explain the full process from bean to cup, a good complement to wandering the ruined convents of the town itself.
Recommended Stay · Antigua Guatemala · Historic Centre
Casa Santo Domingo
A hotel built within the ruins of a 16th-century Dominican monastery, incorporating original chapels and courtyards alongside a small on-site archaeological museum.
