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Antigua Guatemala

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Antigua Guatemala was the Guatemalan capital. It is one of the preferred places for people to go. It is less than 45 minutes away from Guatemala City.

It was know as Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala. It was founded in 1543. Antigua Guatemala has a population of 44,604.

In Antigua Guatemala you can find all kinds of hotels, handcraft stores, restaurants, bars, markets, internet cafés, Spanish academies, discos and much more.

Antigua Guatemala also has many churches and convents. Some of them are in pretty good shape, some are partly destroyed and others are all ruins. Some of this convents and churches ruins are open to visit everyday. La Catedral is the most important today, but maybe not the most impressive. La Merced and San Francisco El Grande have churches that are in good shape and in use, at the side of them, there is a convent in ruins. Others like San Jeronimo and Santa Clara, both the church and the convent are in ruins. Capuchinas has some reconstruction, but it is mostly in ruins. Some like San Augustín are not open to the public or are going thru improvement to permit the visit from the public.

Antigua Guatemala is among the world's best conserved colonial cities. It is a magical and captivating little town that will make you feel as if time might have stopped some 300 years ago. You will experience the splendors of ancient times strolling through town on the cobblestone streets, from its colonial architecture to its beautiful surrounding.

Antigua Guatemala offers something for everyone’s travel tastes. The colonial history that is always present combines with an array of cultural activities that include art galleries and exhibits, performing arts, popular arts, forums, films, and cultural tourism in general.

At one time, Antigua Guatemala was the third most important Spanish colony in the Americas. More than 30 monastic orders called Antigua home and built stunning monasteries, convents and cathedrals in the town. It is nestled between Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, three dramatic volcanoes.

The largest celebrations for Lent and Easter in the Western Hemisphere are hosted by Antigua Guatemala. The history of the processions dates back to the early 1500's and began with the arrival of Don Pedro de Alvarado from Spain. Many visitors are attracted to the solemn religious fervor and others enjoy the beautiful alfombras, sawdust carpets that are made along the processional routes.

Antigua Guatemala offers accommodations for every taste and budget. The Casa Santo Domingo is a five star luxury hotel that is built around three centuries of history, art and mysticism. It is an impressive architectonical site. There is also an outstanding variety of international and local cuisine to satisfy anyone's taste. Antigua is one of Latin America's most popular cities to study Spanish, boasting more than 75 schools.

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