Discover the Churches of Antigua
Antigua is the town of churches, cathedrals and monasteries. Due to many natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanoes, a lot of these buildings have seen better days. However, you can enjoy the newly rebuilt editions and get a feel of the golden days.
Here are the Must – Visit Churches of Antigua, Guatemala
Catedral De Santiago
This cathedral can write a book on earthquakes and the damage it has experienced over the centuries. Presently, you can enter the building but the one time expensive decorations have been long ago destroyed. The best time to view the building is at night as it stands ligaht in a tasteful way. However, the most impressive part of the cathedral is behind it: the ruins. You can still see many of the brick structures and statues. Plus, behind the main altar are steps leading down to a former crypt, now serving as a chapel with a black Christ.
Where is it? East side of the central park. Ruins – 5a Calle Oriente
Schedule: 9 – 5 pm, daily
Admission: church – free, the ruins – $0.40
Señora De La Merced
This is Antigua’s most impressive colonial church. Construction began in 1548, and even though it was affected by earthquakes, it stands in great shape. Throughout the church you’ll find a water lily motif. This is a traditional symbol of power of Mayan lords left by the indigenous laborers who built it. You can visit the monastery ruins where you’ll find the 27m diameter fountain, the largest one in Hispanic America.
Where is it? 5a Avenida
Schedule: 9 – 6:30 p.m. daily
Admission: Church – free, ruins – $0.80
Iglesia de San Francisco
Little is left of the original structure, although the excellent reconstructions and restorations do the trick. This church is well known for the tomb of the Santo Hermano Pedro de San Jose de Betancurt (1626-67). He was a Franciscan monk who founded a hospital for the poor in Antigua. In 2002 Pope John II visited Guatemala and made him a saint. On the south side of the church is a museum and ruins of an adjoining monastery. Some people still pray at Hermano’s tomb and you can see the pasillo de los milagros, which is full of testimonials of his miracles.
Where is it? corner of 8a Calle Oriente and Calle de los Pasos
Schedule: 8 – 5 p.m. Tue – Sun
Admission: Church – free, museum and monastery ruins – $0.80
Las Capuchinas
In 1736 the nuns from Madrid inaugurated this building as Iglesia y Convento de Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragoza. In 1773 it was severely damaged by the earthquake and then abandoned. In 1943 restorations restarted and are still going on today. It’s an impressive building with a tower like building around the patio that housed the 18 nuns’ cells. Now it is home to the Council for the Restoration and Preservation of Antigua.
Where is it? Corner of 2a Avenida Norte and 2a Calle Oriente
Schedule: 9 – 5 pm daily
Admission: $4 adult, $2 children/student
Iglesia y Convento de La Recoleccion
This was one of the most impressive churches of Antigua during its heyday. However, the 1773 earthquake destroyed the building. Now you can rumble around the well preserved ruins and relics.
Where is it? Avenida de la Recoleccion
Schedule: 9 – 5 p.m. daily
Admission: $4 adult, $2 children/student
Iglesia y Convento de Santa Clara
Built in 1702 and greatly destroyed in the earthquake of 1773. You can still see a great deal of this church as you explore the remains.
Where is it? 2a Avenida Sur 27
Schedule: 9 – 5 p.m. daily
Admission: $4 adult, $2 children/student
Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo
In 1542 this church was the riches and biggest monastery of Antigua. However, the 18th century earthquakes destroyed it, while in the 20th century parts of it were pillaged for construction material. Today, the remains are tastefully scattered throughout the property of Hotel Casa Santo Domingo.
Where is it? 3a Calle Oriente 28
Schedule: 9 – 6 p.m. Mon – Sat, 10 – 6 p.m. Sun
Admission: $6
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