Top 6 Ancient Ruins in Antigua, Sacatepequez Department

January 9, 2022 Veronika Gaddis

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. Arco de Santa Catalina

5a Avenida Norte 28, Antigua 03001 Guatemala http://www.guatemala.com/guias/pasatiempos/arcos-de-guatemala/arco-de-santa-catalina-antigua-guatemala-.html
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,694 reviews

Arco de Santa Catalina

This monumental arch was built as a passageway between the monastery and adjoining school. The buildings were constructed to accommodate an increase in religious followers during the 17th century.

Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States

Guatemala was a stop on our cruise ship so we signed up for a Blue Planet shore excursion which drove us 2 hours to Antigua. There are so many sites to visit in this beautiful city including the Arco de Santa Catalina. The Arch was built in the 1690s so cloistered nuns could walk from the convent to the school without having to cross the streets of the city. You can see the Agua Volcano in the background as you stand under the arch. I highly recommend a short visit for some great pictures.

2. Convento de las Capuchinas

Av Norte at 2 Calle Oriente 2 Centro Histórico, Antigua 03001 Guatemala 832-0184 http://cnpag.com/
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 550 reviews

Convento de las Capuchinas

This massive convent was a thriving community of nuns from 1736 until the 1773 earthquake, after which it was abandoned. Now open to the public, tranquil gardens, sparse nuns’ cells and a terrific view from the roof make this a popular attraction.

Reviewed By RobertAleksandrowicz - San Jose, United States

Let's be honest, you don't want a retelling of the site's history. You want practical information, that's what I'm going to give you here. Let's start with the obvious, the cost: 40 Q to enter, if you want a guide it'll cost you anywhere from 100 to 150 Q depending on your "negotiation skills." Guides ask for 150Q straight up, I paid 110. There is a bit of walking as the tour lasts up to an hour but there are lots of shady places and you shouldn't feel tired. There are serviceable bathrooms on the property, close to the main cloister, which is a real plus. The convent itself has been largely restored and is the jewel of all the abandoned churches of Antigua. If you visit just one, visit this one, and get that guide. It makes the difference, it really does. make sure they take you to the downstairs acoustic chamber, it is unbelievable! Highly recommended.

3. Convento Santa Clara

Av. Sur at 6 Calle Oriente 2, Antigua 03001 Guatemala 832-0184 http://cnpag.com
Excellent
57%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 297 reviews

Convento Santa Clara

These ruins, like so many others in the city, are the effects of several devastating earthquakes over the last 200 years.

Reviewed By JimP988 - Los Angeles, United States

Spectacular ruins (from the 1733 quake) of a church and adjoining convent, with unusual circular building of cells for the nuns.

4. La Recoleccion

Calle Poniente at Calle de Recolectos 1, Antigua 03001 Guatemala http://cnpag.com
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 141 reviews

La Recoleccion

First constructed in the 17th century, this church was destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt many times. What can be seen today are the remains from the last earthquake in 1976.

Reviewed By LarryMichigan - Boquete, Panama

The Church and Convent La Recoleccion were distroyed in the significan earthquake of 1773. Just walking through the wreckage is incredible.

5. Church And Convent Santa Teresa De Jesus

Avenida Sur 4 Corner Of 4 Avenida Sur And 1 A Calle Poniente, Antigua 03001 Guatemala +502 5970 0052
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
100%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 1 reviews

Church And Convent Santa Teresa De Jesus

6. San Augustin Church

Calle Poniente 5a Corner Of 5a Calle Poniente And 7a Avenida Sur, Antigua 03001 Guatemala
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
100%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 1 reviews

San Augustin Church

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