Antigua,
in the department of Sacatepequez, (Cerro de Hierba), may be
the most outstanding and bestpreserved colonial city in
Spanish America. It was the capital of the Captaincy General
of Guatemala, founded in the 16th century.
In 1773 an earthquake hit the city leaving most of its
monuments in ruins. Survivors moved the city to a new
location leaving Antigua "sleeping" for decades.
Today, tourists visit Antigua every year from around the
world to enjoy its natural beauty and historic monuments.
the Spanish Colonial style permeates every part of the town:
its houses, churches, squares, parks and ruins, also its
traditions and folklore as well. Antigua is a city of charm
and color where you can see and buy an overwhelming variety
of attractive, handmade products that honor the traditions
of generations of artisans.
Antigua´s temperate, climate and friendly inhabitants
welcome visitors; the city has all the required services:
sophisticated hotels, cafes and restaurants (with
traditional or international menus), banks, stores, internet
cafes, travel agencies, spanish-language schools and art
galleries, all of the highest quality.
Antigua sits in a Highland valley (1,500 meters) overlooked
by the spectacular Agua Volcano (3,765 meters high). A
little further away are two other volcanoes Acatenango and
the always smoking sometimes erupting, Fuego. The
neighboring towns and villages include Ciudad Vieja,
Jocotenango, San Juan El Obispo, Santa María de Jesús, San
Bartolomé Milpas Altas and Santa Catalina Barahona. each of
these towns is worth a visit, even if only to view thers
historic colonial churches.
Antigua´s kitchen offers a palate-pleasing combination of
traditional flavors, aromas and condiments that produce a
delicious, nutriotious and varied menu. You also must try
the famous "Dulces antigueños" , These candies offer a
unique taste, something you can not miss.
Antigua is also noted for its crafs: terracotta, ceramics,
wrought iron, silver and jade jewelry, wooden sculptures,
carved colonialstyle furniture, a great variety of
traditional costumes and weavings, figured stone, brass,
jarcía, traditional toys and much more.
Reinforcing Antigua´s international flavor are more than 50
spanish language-schools that host students from all around
the world.
You won´t need a car in the easily walked 12 square black
city which, is spring like all year round.
Antigua, sited in the Panchoy Valley, was designated "La Muy
Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de Santigo de los Caballeros de
Guatemala" by Carlos V, king of Spain and has been declared
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1,979. The festival of the
town´s saint (Santiago or St James: Patron saint of the
conquistadors) is celebrated on July 25 th.
