In 1543, the Spanish conquistadores called it La Muy Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala (“The Very Noble and Very Loyal City of Santiago of the Knights of Guatemala”) to honor their patron saint, Santiago (St. James).
Antigua Guatemala suffered two severe earthquakes, including Santa Marta in 1773, which destroyed much of the town. As a result, the Spanish Crown ordered that the city be rebuilt in a safer location. Guatemala City thus came to be and was hailed as the capital of Guatemala.
Today, the city is world famous for its well-preserved Spanish New World Baroque architecture as well as a great number of spectacular church ruins. Despite being ravaged by several earthquakes which eventually resulted in the city’s abandonment in 1776, the city still retains its original Spanish charm of cobble stone streets and colonial architecture.
For this reason, Antigua Guatemala has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site after it was earlier declared a Monument of the Americas by the Panamerican Institute of History and Geography in 1942.
Tourism
Antigua Guatemala is one of the most beautiful and visited places in Guatemala. Many people come to Antigua Guatemala not only to reminisce the nostalgia of Spanish colonial times, which are evident in every corner of the city’s streets, but also to enjoy the many sights and activities that the place has to offer.
Among the highlights of an Antigua Guatemala vacation is hiking and volcano climbing. The Cerro de la Cruz, which is only a short 20-minute walk away from the north side of the city, offers you a wonderful view of the city as well as the three famous volcanoes, Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego. And if looking is not enough for you, it will take you a day’s exciting trip to climb up each volcano and view Antigua Guatemala’s spectacular landscape from a higher vantage point.
Another great thing to do while touring this old Spanish city is bicycling. There are many fun routes for you to ride your bike in Antigua, including nice trails that lead up to quaint little villages and excellent mountain views. Many ranches also offer horse riding, giving you an alternative way of exploring some of the outlying areas of the city.
Shopping in Antigua Guatemala is an exciting activity. The city’s pervading Spanish culture diversified by native flair makes for interesting art pieces and handcrafts. Antigua Guatemala is known world wide for having some of the finest jade in the world and curious fine art.
Engliish Harbor In Antigua
The English Harbor in Antigua served as a headquarte...
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Black Birki Antigua
Having the perfect pair of footwear will not only complement your outfit but will also...
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Antigua History
In the middle of the 18th century, it had 150 cane- processing windmills where today, 100 of which still re...
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Antigua Real Estate
If you haven’t done real estate before, don’t worry. Here are some tips to help you de...
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Antigua Long Term Property Rental
There are many reasons why you ought to ...
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Antigua
The first people to inhabit Antigua were called the Siboney or “stone people” who stayed on the is...
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Way Of Living In Antigua
* ReligionLocal natives are not concentrated in a single religion but ...
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Antigua Map
Below are a few Antigua maps you can get for free from the Internet:...
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Galley Bay Antigua
The Property...
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Antigua Newspaper
Even if this Caribbean island is just small and most lik...
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Antigua Weddings
With the many beaches that have pristine blue waters and fine white sands, a wedding in Antigua will be way...
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Antigua Sun
Tourists who purposely visit to have the...
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La Antigua, Guatemala
Walking around La Antigua in Guatemala is just very easy. The tourist sp...
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Fly Fishing In Antigua
Here are great sites for fly fishing in Antigua:* Falmouth Harbour MarinaSituated on the English Ha...
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Test
As you step in to this Antigua airport, ...
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University Of Health Sciences Antigua
As a privately endowed institution, the University of Health Sciences ...
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Antigua Beach
* Valley Church BeachUnwind in the warm waters of Lignum Vitae Bay as you watch at the ...
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Long Term Rental In Antigua
There isn’t much choice in there, right? Or is there? ...
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Properties For Sale In Antigua
One of the first consideration is knowing the primary ...
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Antigua Weather
Antigua weather is dry for the most part, year round. The island rarely experiences the...
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Antigua And Barbuda
The island nation’s unique location points towards its being the perfect place for a tropical i...
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Antigua Guatemala Hotel
Accommodations are not a problem when you come to this plac...
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Cades Reef Antigua
Diving in Antigua...
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Antigua Yacht
There are several considerations to take when charterin...
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Antigua Bay
Dickenson Beach is the most renowned Antigua Bay. It can easily get crowded when the cruise liners are docked in t...
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Antigua Snorkeling
Right after a brief demonstration, the guides will bring...
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Blue Waters Antigua
With 77 rooms and suites, Blue Waters Antigua have it made in superior quality giving their guests that chanc...
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Antigua And Barbuda Recipes
Below are some world-famous Antigua and Barbuda recipes that you can try:...
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Antigua Hotels
Travelers have a great time losing themselves in the dizzying multitude of activities that Antigua ha...
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Diving In Antigua
Offering spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea and no less than 365 beaches (one beach for each day of ...
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Antigua Scuba Diving
* Sandy IslandDwelling to plenty of charming gorgonians and se...
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Antigua Villa Rentals
It has been fully operational for the past 15 years that also holds an office in New York. For reservations, c...
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Birki Antigua
The Birki Antigua is designed with “beach” in mind. Are you familiar with the phrase “form follows function?” We...
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Antigua Island
On the other hand, the English Harbor in the southeastern coast offers a fantastic Mari...
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Antigua Airport
As you step in to this Antigua airport, the pristine blue...
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Antigua Carnival
It all started when the local natives immediately went ...
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Sandals Grande Antigua
Sandals Grande Antigua has been voted as the “World’s Most Romantic ...
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Antigua Sailing Week
The Antigua Sailing Week entails a lot of time, money and prepa...
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Jumby Bay, Antigua
Before Jumby Bay, Antigua became an exclusive resort and resident community it was first a sugar plantation, later f...
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