Top Things to do in Antigua
10 Churches & Cathedrals in Antigua That You Shouldn't Miss
Antigua Guatamala is known as the best-preserved Spanish colonial city in Central America. Stroll the cobblestone streets, lounge with the locals in Central Park on sunny afternoons or hike up one of the volcanoes overlooking the city for amazing views.
Restaurants in Antigua
1. Iglesia de La Merced
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,077 reviews
Destroyed twice by earthquakes, this 1548 church was rebuilt in the 1700s to withstand earthquakes and boasts a lovely yellow façade and a huge stone fountain, reputed to be the largest in Central America.
Reviewed By 796alvaror - San Salvador, El Salvador
La Merced is a colonial baroque style Catholic Church, well preserved, it keeps its greatness outside and inside. It’s a must visit place in Antigua. In addition to, its Square has delicious Guatemalan food and it’s a nice meeting place for locals and foreigners day and nighttime.
2. Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
One of many ruined churches in the city, this multi-domed church is often visited by pilgrims seeking answers to their prayers from Friar Hermano Pedro, the beatified 17th-century monk buried inside.
Reviewed By T9604IZmattp - San Diego, United States
Make sure you stop here to see the resting place of Hermano Pedro, Guatemala’s first Saint. He was considered the Mother Theresa of his time, and is venerated as such. The church was damaged and eventually destroyed in Guatemala’s famous historic earthquakes, and was rebuilt in the 1960’s. Fun Fact: Scenes from The New Adventures of Tarzan were filmed here when the church was still in ruins.
3. Iglesia Escuela de Cristo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By 793LindaC - Moorpark, United States
Small, intimate, very authentic church that is especially pretty at Christmastime when the ceilings are beautifully draped and there's a full-size nativity. It's a few blocks from the much larger Church of San Francisco on the same street. Photos without flash were allowed. We saw no other tourist and only a handful of locals. Glad we stopped!
4. Catedral de San Jose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
At the very beginning of the 19th century, it was established in Antigua a small parish devoted to the cult of Saint Joseph and known as "Parroquia de El Señor San José". Later on, around 1806, it was decided that the new parish could occupy part of the ruins of the ancient "Catedral de Santiago". Works started in 1819 and, in 1832, a beautiful baroque building, located at the heart of Antigua's "Centro Histórico" and in front of the city's "Parque Central", was consecrated as "Parroquia de San José"! It is only a parish, but it is locally and lovingly known and attended as a true cathedral. It occupies only the entrance hall of the former church and has, as everything else, been built and rebuilt many times along the years, due to severe damages caused by the earthquakes of 1874, 1918 and 1976. Completely renovated in 1990 and 2015, it is certainly a must see to all those visiting Antigua! Enjoy!'
5. Sanctuary of San Felipe de Jesus
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2 reviews
6. Hermano Pedro's Hospital
7. Iglesia del Carmen
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
While strolling along Antigua's historic center, and not far from its iconic "Arco de Santa Catalina" or from the "Parque Central" square, you'll certainly find the awesome ruins of the ancient "Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen", known locally as "Iglesia del Carmen". It was built by the Carmelite Order around 1638 and, along the centuries, it has been severely damaged by the earthquakes of 1717, 1728, 1773, 1874 and 1976. Surprisingly, its monumental facade was only partially destroyed and can still be seen from the street level. However, the church's interior collapsed and is closed for visitors due to the immense risks envolved. Originally, its Spanish baroque facade had 24 beautifully carved columns and some are almost intact. A quick stop, a few pictures and maybe some shopping at the local handicrafts' street market - the "Mercado El Carmen". Enjoy!
8. Church Of The Company Of Jesus
9. Church And Convent Santa Teresa De Jesus
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
10. San Augustin Church
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
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