PRESERVING THE PAST

            Antigua is one of the former capitals of Guatemala.  In 1543, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, a colonial possession of Spain which was comprised of the present countries of Guatemala, Honduras, Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador and the southern Mexican state, Chiapas. 

            The city is nestled between 3 massive volcanoes and hills and mountains which provide a dramatic backdrop. 

 Sadly, the day we visited, it was cloudy and we were deprived of the view.  During the years that Antigua served as the capital, it attracted many religious orders which built beautiful churches, convents and monasteries.

Some of the churches, destroyed by earthquake, remain as ruins and others have been restored to their former glory.  Colorful shops offer votive materials to the Catholic faithful.

            From the time of its founding Antigua suffered numerous earthquakes.  The quake of 1773 caused much damage and in 1776 the government of Spain ordered that the capital be moved to nearby Guatemala City, the present capital.  While the quake destroyed many structures, others survived. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has led to the rebuilding and rehabilitation of many of those magnificent buildings.

Some serve their original purpose as churches, others are schools and luxury hotels.  They are examples of Spanish Baroque and Moorish architecture.  Their courtyards are filled with fountains and gardens.

Today, Antigua is a huge draw for tourists and people desiring to study Spanish.  Its ancient cobblestone streets lead you past colorful buildings and beautiful examples of Spanish Baroque architecture.  When the bulk of the population left the city for the new capital in 1776, much of the city became frozen in time.  As in other Spanish cities, everything is organized around a Parque Central.  People come to the park to walk their dogs, to visit with friends and family and relax.

The city is famous for its religious festivals, especially those surrounding Lent and Easter.  During Holy Week, many of the streets are covered with carpets made of flowers and dyed sawdust.

Today people come from all over the world to study Spanish in schools providing immersion language classes.  It is perhaps the most tourist oriented site in the country.  The streets are filled with vendors hawking souvenirs and colorful shops offer textiles and other crafts.