Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala, about an hour and a half from our port. It was the capital of Guatemala slightly before our visit, from 1543 through 1773. The city fell victim to numerous earthquakes in the 16th century, and a quake in 1773 destroyed much of the town. The Spanish Crown, being all-wise, was fed up and moved the capital to what is now Guatemala City, the modern capital. Antigua was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 because of its Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture, layout, churches, and ruins.

On the road to Antiqua

While sunny, it was a hazy day, and all the backgrounds were faded.

Our driver called this Stump Face Mountain. A woman in profile?

A lot of watermelons on the side of the road. So close to the pavement that orange cones were put out to push traffic to one lane to get by.

Entrance to a village destroyed by lava flow from an erupting volcano in 2018.

Village beside a volcano. The hillside is terraced to about half way up.

A stop on the way at Carolina’s handwoven fabrics

Beautiful work. A family-owned and run business.

Family heritage

The owner and namesake preparing lunch outdoors

Antigua walkabout

Cerro de la Cruz

San Juan de Dios

A book and other sale in front of the church

Watching over the items for sale

Behind the gates

Behind the gates 2

One of the old churches damaged in the 1773 earthquake. Structurally unsound but still standing.

Another baroque-inspired church damaged in the earthquake. It is undergoing restoration.

Great place. Combination of Mayan museum, workshop, and high-end Jade store. Jade was valued by the Mayans for its religious and spiritual importance. Factoid: Jade is not just green, but includes blue and black, with recently discovered orange jade.