JOYA COLONIAL de la HUMANIDAD | Jubilados en ruta

Antigua Guatemala, or more accurately, Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, is a colonial gem declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Founded in 1543 as Guatemala's third capital, it boasts perfectly preserved Spanish Baroque architecture and a spectacular setting surrounded by volcanoes. Key Facts and History The Great Change: After the devastating Santa Marta earthquakes of 1773, the capital was moved to present-day Guatemala City, leading to the abandonment of Antigua Guatemala and allowing its colonial architecture to remain frozen in time. Urban Layout: Designed in a checkerboard pattern, an Italian Renaissance style typical of Spanish colonies. Santa Catalina Arch: The most iconic and photographed monument, originally built to allow cloistered nuns to cross the street unseen. Plaza Mayor (Central Park): The heart of the city, surrounded by the Cathedral of San José, the Palace of the Captains General, and the City Hall. * Church of La Merced: Famous for its vibrant yellow Baroque facade and white stucco details. Convent Ruins: Impressive sites such as the Capuchin Convent, the Santa Clara Convent, and the San Francisco Convent (where the tomb of Saint Brother Pedro is located). Natural Surroundings and Activities Volcanoes: Guarded by three large volcanoes: Agua, Fuego (active), and Acatenango. The ascent to the latter is very popular for witnessing the nighttime eruptions of the Fuego Volcano. Culture and Coffee: A world-renowned center for learning Spanish, famous for its Holy Week processions (the largest in the world) and its high-quality coffee farms. Arch of Santa Catalina Church of La Merced Music: Spring Migration, The Great North Sound Society