Top Things to do in Antigua
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Top 6 Ancient Ruins in Antigua, Sacatepequez Department
Antigua Guatamala is known as the best-preserved Spanish colonial city in Central America. Stroll the cobblestone streets, lounge with the locals in Central Park on sunny afternoons or hike up one of the volcanoes overlooking the city for amazing views.
Restaurants in Antigua
1. Arco de Santa Catalina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,694 reviews
This monumental arch was built as a passageway between the monastery and adjoining school. The buildings were constructed to accommodate an increase in religious followers during the 17th century.
Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States
Guatemala was a stop on our cruise ship so we signed up for a Blue Planet shore excursion which drove us 2 hours to Antigua. There are so many sites to visit in this beautiful city including the Arco de Santa Catalina. The Arch was built in the 1690s so cloistered nuns could walk from the convent to the school without having to cross the streets of the city. You can see the Agua Volcano in the background as you stand under the arch. I highly recommend a short visit for some great pictures.
2. Convento de las Capuchinas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 550 reviews
This massive convent was a thriving community of nuns from 1736 until the 1773 earthquake, after which it was abandoned. Now open to the public, tranquil gardens, sparse nuns’ cells and a terrific view from the roof make this a popular attraction.
Reviewed By RobertAleksandrowicz - San Jose, United States
Let's be honest, you don't want a retelling of the site's history. You want practical information, that's what I'm going to give you here. Let's start with the obvious, the cost: 40 Q to enter, if you want a guide it'll cost you anywhere from 100 to 150 Q depending on your "negotiation skills." Guides ask for 150Q straight up, I paid 110. There is a bit of walking as the tour lasts up to an hour but there are lots of shady places and you shouldn't feel tired. There are serviceable bathrooms on the property, close to the main cloister, which is a real plus. The convent itself has been largely restored and is the jewel of all the abandoned churches of Antigua. If you visit just one, visit this one, and get that guide. It makes the difference, it really does. make sure they take you to the downstairs acoustic chamber, it is unbelievable! Highly recommended.
3. Convento Santa Clara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
These ruins, like so many others in the city, are the effects of several devastating earthquakes over the last 200 years.
Reviewed By JimP988 - Los Angeles, United States
Spectacular ruins (from the 1733 quake) of a church and adjoining convent, with unusual circular building of cells for the nuns.
4. La Recoleccion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
First constructed in the 17th century, this church was destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt many times. What can be seen today are the remains from the last earthquake in 1976.
Reviewed By LarryMichigan - Boquete, Panama
The Church and Convent La Recoleccion were distroyed in the significan earthquake of 1773. Just walking through the wreckage is incredible.
5. Church And Convent Santa Teresa De Jesus
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
6. San Augustin Church
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
