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Antigua Guatemala Activities and Attractions

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Agua, Fuego and Acatenango are perhaps the most frequently photographed volcanoes in Guatemala. These three peaks watch over the sleepy, colonial town of Antigua Guatemala. The forested cones of Agua and Acatenango testify to their slumbering old age, while the bare peak of Fuego and the small ash clouds rising from its summit are evidence of continuing activity. Bird watching, hikes and mountain-bike tours are offered by tour operators.

School of San Jerónimo, Colegio de San San Jerónimo, was built in 1757. King Carlos III closed it in 1761, because it was opened without authorization and was ordered to be torn down. Because it was built very good, there was opposition to the demolition and it became Royal Customs in 1761 by request of Capitan General Ferández de Heredia. Earthquakes destroyed it in 1773.

Church and Convent of La Recolección is one of the most impressive monuments of the city. The construction was done from 1701 thru 1708, it was started by Architect José de Porres and finished by his son Diego. The church was opened in 1717, and suffered severe damage that year. Earthquakes of 1773 destroyed the buildings. The ruins were damaged again in the earthquake of 1976.

Our Lady of Zaragoza Church and Convent of Capuchinas was completed on January 25, 1736. It was the fifth convent built in the city, designed by Architect Diego de Torres. The area that used to be the church has been highly restored and has been the subject of more than one controversy. Sometimes it is used to house a public event like a concert or presentation. Five monastic nuns that came from Madrid founded it. The request for the construction was filed on 1720. The King granted permission to build it on May 5th, 1725. The church front and the interior arcs are built with stone. Iron was used for its construction. Sixteen reclusion cells for the nuns are placed in a characteristic circular shape that surround a patio. All the cells had a bathroom with a common drain for all the rooms. It is said to be the only convent in Guatemala with this shape.

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