Antigua Landmarks and Monuments

(Antigua, Central Highlands, Guatemala)

Historic monuments continue the ongoing religious theme in Antigua and in Guatemala in general. There are some splendid old buildings, including both the Arco de Santa Catalina (Saint Catalina Arch) and the Iglesia y Convento de Nuestra Senora de la Merced (Merced Church). The arch itself is amongst the most famous landmarks in Antigua and is all that is left of the St. Catherine Convent.

The Cerro de la Cruz hill is a popular side trip on a visit to Antigua and you can hike it in under 30 minutes, being rewarded with views of the cityscape and nearby volcanoes. Other landmarks warranting closer inspection include the Catedral de Santiago (Santiago Cathedral), the Iglesia y Convento de Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Santo Domingo Church), the Monumento Landivar (Landivar Monument) and the Cementerio General (General Cemetery).

Santiago Cathedral (Catedral de Santiago)

Address: Calle 5a Oriente, Antigua, Guatemala, GT
Antigua's main church, the Catedral de Santiago, lies to the east of the Parque Central and is one of the oldest structures in town. Although it has been rebuilt and revamped on many occasions owing to devastating earthquakes, the cathedral originally hails from the mid-1500s. The white-washed facade is striking and wonderfully lit at night. Inside is a small collection of Baroque art works, while just behind the building are the remains of a major chunk of the cathedral, which is in ruins after the roof collapsed.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Cerro de la Cruz

Address: Antigua, Guatemala, GT
Lying just north of the Plaza Mayor (Parque Central) is the hill of Cerro de la Cruz, which easily offers the best views of the cityscape in the direction of the Volcan Agua. Cerro de la Cruz has a huge stone cross atop it and can be climbed in about 25 minutes. You can also go by taxi or be escorted by the Policia Municipal de Turismo, both of which are recommended rather than walking on your own, owing to crime in the area. When you reach the top, you will find that the views are definitely worth capturing on camera.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Church of Saint Francis (Iglesia de San Francisco)

Address: Calle 8a Oriente / Calle do los Pasos, Antigua, Guatemala, GT
The Iglesia de San Francisco may well have its feet firmly in the 16th century, although after much reconstruction work over the centuries, little of its original structure remains today. Dedicated to the Franciscan monk Hermano Pedro, who is famous for founding a local hospital and his subsequent healing work, the church features a number of attractions, including an adjacent monastery and a small museum (the Museo del Hermano Pedro), complete with some fascinating relics and old photographs relating to Pedro himself.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Landivar Monument (Monumento a Landivar)

Address: Calle 5a Poniente, Calzada / Alameda Santa Lucia, Antigua, Guatemala, GT
The city's Landivar Monument is to be found just to the south of the Antigua Market and is an especially peaceful place to head to. Paying tribute to the much-loved Latin poet and local citizen Rafael Landivar (1731 to 1793), the monument is surrounded by park-like greenery. This small building is instantly recognisable by its five large stone arches, which add a definite colonial feel. Landivar was actually a Jesuit priest who spent much of his time in Italy following Guatemala's expulsion of Jesuits. However, when he was in Antigua he lived on the Calle 5a Poniente, with his ruined house being close by, providing further interest.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia y Convento de Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza)

Address: Calle 3a Oriente 28, Antigua, Guatemala, GT
Tel: +502 7832 0140
Although today a hotel, the Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo is one of the long-standing landmarks in Antigua, being founded in the mid-16th century by Dominican friars and once the city's richest monastery. This bulky structure is located in the city centre and over the centuries has experienced earthquakes and pillaging, although today the church is looking good - thanks in no small part to the restoration work carried out by the Casa Santo Domingo Hotel. Look out for the Crucifixion mural in the Calvary Crypt.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:00, Sunday- 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, free for hotel guests

Merced Church (Iglesia y Convento de Nuestra Senora de la Merced)

Address: Calle 1a Poniente / 5a Avenida, Antigua, Guatemala, GT
Located to the north of the Plaza Mayor (Parque Central) is the Iglesia La Merced, a Baroque-style church with a fancy facade. This mid-18th century church has been well preserved, due to its short thick walls designed to withstand earthquakes, and comes in a striking yellow colour, with many fine paintings. The Merced Church is best enjoyed during the hectic Holy Week celebrations.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge for convent / monastery ruins

Ruins of Churches and Monasteries

Address: Antigua, Guatemala, GT
In its heyday, the city was blessed with a large quantity of very elegant churches. However, over the years, the effects of the local earthquakes have more than paid their toll on these landmarks, many of which are now in ruins and a former shadow of their earlier beauty. The most noteworthy of these include the:

• Iglesia y Convento de Santa Clara (Avenida 2a Sur 27) - inaugurated in 1734, with many elements remaining intact, including a charming cloister, complete with fountain and gardens
• Iglesia y Convento de la Recoleccion (Avenida de la Recoleccion) - a huge monastery built at the beginning of the 18th century and now little more than chunks of masonry, although the arched doorway is still standing

Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Old University of San Carlos (Universidad de San Carlos)

Address: Calle 5a Oriente 5, Antigua, Guatemala, GT
Tel: +502 7832 0429
The University of San Carlos began its life in Antigua in 1676, although it has since relocated to Guatemala City. Still a prominent landmark in the city, the main building features a grand facade, an attractive cloister and a decorated frieze. The principal function of the old university these days is to house the Museum of Colonial Art, an important and long-established gallery based here for almost 100 years and housing many art treasures.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Saint Catalina Arch (Arco de Santa Catalina)

Address: Avenida 5a Norte, Antigua, Guatemala, GT
Tel: +502 7832 0184
Perhaps Antigua's best known landmark, the Saint Catalina Arch is a striking structure regularly appearing on promotional material of the city. Built in 1694 as part of the massive Convent of St. Catherine, for the purpose of getting the nuns from one street to the next without being seen, the arch is beautifully maintained along a cobbled street. This pale yellow arch has a short clock tower on the top and is well lit at night. Tourists can only walk underneath the arch.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

General Cemetery / Municipal Cemetery (Cementerio General)

Address: Antigua, Guatemala, GT
The vast General Cemetery, known locally in Antigua as the Cementerio General, has a fascinating collection of tombs and mausoleums, so much so that there have been many robberies here in the past, both of the structures and people. For this reason, it is best to go with one of the free escorts - via the Policia Municipal de Turismo, particularly since this cemetery is a little outside of the city. Tours can be arranged through the Asistur tourism assistance outlet on the Calle 6a Poniente.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

City Hall (Palacio del Ayuntamiento)

Address: Calle 4a, Antigua, Guatemala, GT
The Palacio del Ayuntamiento stands on the northerly side of the Parque Central and dates back to the 18th century. This landmark serves as the City Hall and its appearance is very distinctive, with two rows of arches and columns. As well as being home to the town offices, the hall also contains a couple of popular attractions, namely the Museo de Santiago and the Museo del Libro Antiguo museums. A number of eateries reside close by, such as the Cafe Barista, the Cafe La Escudilla and La Cenicienta.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge