February 2 - 9, 2008
Guatemala
February 2 - 9, 2008
Click on small picture to view larger image.
Antigua, Guatemala (Old Guatemala)
Antigua is among the world's most conserved colonial cities. It was once the third most important Spanish colony in the Americas
with
more than 30 monastic orders calling Antigua home. Antigua is nestled between the 3
dramatic volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. In 1773, a series of
earthquakes destroyed much of the town, which led to the third change in
location for the city. The Spanish Crown ordered (1776) the removal of the
capital to a safer location, the Valley of the Shrine, where Guatemala City, the
modern capital of Guatemala, now stands.
 Bus to Antigua on Wednesday |  Breakfast at McDonald's |
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 I forgot the name of this church but I will post as soon as I find out |
 The rug in the middle is made of colored sawdust, fruits and plants |
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 I forgot the name of this church |
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 This is now the Spain Consulate |
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 Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Merced (construction began - 1548; destroyed by earthquake in 1717; repairs completed in 1767) |
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 Inside the church |
 Wooden podium |
 Convent attached to church was destroyed by earthquake in 1773 |
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 Fuente de Pescados (Fountain of Fish) - said to be the largest fountain in Central America |
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 Solid wood doors |
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 The Arch of Santa Catalina (Back in colonial times, the Arch was part of the Santa Catalina monastery) |
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 Painted ceiling in one of the shops |
 Fountain located in the Central Park |
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 Catedral de Santiago (Construction began in 1545; destroyed in 1773 and partially rebuilt) |
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 Ruins from the original cathedral |
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 Underground chapel with carvings behind the original alter; only priests were allowed to pray there |
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 View from streets of Antigua |
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 According to relatives, this was a public laundry area |
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 Iglesia de Hermano Pedro |
Itinerary:
Saturday, Feb. 2 - arrive Guatemala City
Sunday, Feb. 3 - Chiquimula
Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 4 & 5 - Esquipulas
Wednesday, Feb. 6 - Antiqua
Thursday & Friday, Feb. 7 & 8 - Guatemala City
Saturday, Feb. 9 - Flight back home
Guatemala flag courtesy of www.3DFlags.com
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