Is a Roman Catholic church in Antigua Guatemala. The original church was built around 1541, but suffered several earthquakes throughout its history, and the first church building was demolished in 1669. The cathedral was rebuilt and consecrated in 1680. By 1743 the cathedral was one of the largest in Central America. However, the devastating 1773 Guatemala earthquake seriously damaged much of the building, though the two towers at the front remained largely intact. These have undergone restoration work, and the cathedral has been partly rebuilt.

Standing above the cobbled streets and in front of the hulking Volcán de Agua, this saffron-yellow arch has become the symbol of Antigua and the central image on most postcards.

Best example of baroque style architecture.

Biggest Monastery in Antigua Guatemala Located in the grounds of the Santo Domingo Monastery, Casa Santo Domingo began life as the mainstay for one of the most important convents in the Americas. Those who lived in this sanctuary followed the order of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, and the monastery acted as a shelter for them. Its origins can be traced back to 1538 when the first Dominicans arrived in Guatemala, and during this time the monastery was a grand, two-towered, ten-belled building filled with riches and relics. Unfortunately, the monastery was partially destroyed in the 1773 Santa Marta earthquake, and what still stands has become a monument preserving the baroque architecture and treasures of the period. The ancient walls, brick archways and tile corridors convey the history of the original Casa Santo Domingo, and today part of the ruins have been turned into Antigua’s only five-star hotel, which opened in 1989. Along with its reputation as one of the most unique and historic hotels in Guatemala, Hotel Casa Santo Domingo is known for having a deep respect and pride for its past. The utmost care was taken when renovating, and today the manicured gardens are home to the restored convent, which provides hotel rooms for guests. The artistic masterpieces, statues and crypts that make this place so exceptional have all been preserved, and many are on display at the hotel’s multiple museums.

Best Jade Museum and Factory

The history of El Carmen Church dates back to 1683 when the city council granted authorization for the construction of a temple under the invocation of Our Lady of Carmen. This church suffered heavy damage after the earthquakes of 1717, 1728 and 1773. Finally the building was ruined, so it had to be abandoned.

Visit a national Coffee farm and a mayan music museum.