Antigua was a former capital of Guatemala, but after a series of massive earthquakes in this area, the capital was moved. This is the Cathedral of San Jose in Antigua.
This is from inside the cathedral.
The cathedral's earthquake damage is visible in the back of the structure.
The fountain in the main plaza of Antigua depicts Sirens.
The Church of the La Campana de Jesus was destroyed in one of the major earthquakes too.
This is a public laundry which is still used today by locals to wash their clothes.
Antigua has many churches. This is the Iglesia de San Francisco. Earthquake damage can be seen here too.
The famous arch in Antigua was built so nuns from the convent on one side could get to a garden on the other side without being seen. On a clear day, a large volcano is seen in the distance!
The San Juan de Dios Convent and Hospital is a Franciscan order which helps the poor.
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Antigua was the capital of
Guatemala from 1543 to 1773. A series of big earthquakes
convinced the Guatemalans to move their capital about 40 KM south to
Guatemala City. Walking around Antigua is like going back in
time. The Spanish Vice Roy for Guatemala lived in this city
during the colonial times when Guatemala included parts of Mexico,
Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Hondurus, and Costa Rica.