Set amid three volcanoes, Antigua Guatemala (Old Guatemala) is one of the oldest and most appealing cities in Central America. Antigua conserves its Spanish-colonial appeal despite numerous earthquakes.
Yellow, ocher and orange are prevalent colors along Antigua's cobblestone streets. The streets are devoid of traffic lights, neon signs and
structures over two stories tall.
Antigua's public buildings are examples of baroque architecture. Antigua's churches have lost much of their splendor due to earthquake damage and post-earthquake reconstruction. La Merced and Iglesia de San Francisco are impressive but Antigua's principal monuments are preserved as ruins. Antigua is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Of interest are Casa K'ojom, a museum of Mayan music and ceremonies and the Palacio de los Capitanes, for 230 years the center of Central American government. A bustling market is held in Parque Central on Sundays, when visitors and locals gather.
Antigua is especially beautiful during Semana Santa celebrations, when the city's grid-like streets are carpeted with elaborate decorations of colored sawdust and flower petals.
Antigua was Guatemala's capital from 1543 until a devastating earthquake in 1773 when the capital was moved 45km/28mi east to the present site of Guatemala City. Antigua's population is 30,000.
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