Surrounded by by three towering volcanoes, Agua, Fuego and Acatenango lies the pleasant city of Antigua. Its majestic setting, cobblestone streets, rumbling ruins and sprays of bougainvillea are charming. The buildings have colonial style facades and tile roofs and lots of ruins of churches, convents, palaces and mansions.

The best time to visit Antigua is during Holy Week of Good Friday and is the busiest week of the year. Other busy times are June through August and November to April. Antigua can get pretty cold between September and March, so go prepared.

Over 200 years ago Antigua was one of the centers of Spanish power in the Americas. It is an absolutely beautiful city. Antigua is also home to Indian markets, a wide range of restaurants, a dazzling array of bars and nightclubs and more. Antigua is a fascinating place to spend time in and learn Spanish. No matter what your tastes are, you will always find something to do in this city.

History

Antigua was founded on March 10, 1543 after torrential rains and earthquakes had washed away the region. Churches and convents grew in number, schools were build and laws were set up to protect the indians. But for all its cultural progress and growing wealth ther were few long periods of peace. Church orders battled each other for power. Drought and epidemic cut into the population crime was on the increase shortage of food and diseases ravaged the population.

The town was slowly rebuilt, retaining its traditional character, architecture and cobblestone streets. Some of the old mansions were repaired and occupied. In 1944 the Legislative Assembly declared Antigua a national monument, and in 1979 UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Most of Antigua’s buildings were constructed during the 17th and 18th centuries, when the city was a rich Spanish outpost and the Catholic church was ascending to power. Many handsome, sturdy colonial buildings remain, and several impressive ruins have been preserved and are open to the public.

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