Wedding Location
ANTIGUA GUATEMALA
Antigua Guatemala, founded in 1543, was the seat of Spanish colonial government for the Kingdom of Guatemala, which included Chiapas (southern Mexico), Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Throughout its history the city was repeatedly damaged by earthquakes and on July 29, 1773, earthquakes wrought such destruction that officials had to move the capital to safer ground, which led to the founding in 1776 of present-day Guatemala City.
Today, Antigua's preserved and carefully restored Spanish colonial public buildings, private mansions, and cobblestone streets, give form to a city of charm and romance. It may be considered the most outstanding and best-preserved colonial city in Spanish America.
Tourists visit Antigua Guatemala every year from around the world to enjoy its natural beauty and historic monuments. It has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find all the required quality services, such as hotels, cafes and restaurants, banks, stores, Internet cafés, travel agencies, Spanish schools and art galleries.
Named the "Monumental City of the Americas" and recently voted "Top Travel City for 2009" by Readers of British magazine Wanderlust, beating out Kyoto and Boston for the top spot.
Arco de Santa Catalina
In 1609, the Convent of Santa Catalina Virgen y Martir was built, and in 1626 the church followed. The convent became so popular that the number of nuns outgrew the facilities, forcing them to use part of the next block connected only by the arch. The arch, which was constructed in July of 1693, permitted the nuns to cross the street unseen.
The church and arch are the only structures remaining after the earthquake on July 29, 1773 at 3:30pm
Palacio Municipal
The Antigua "City Hall" was built in the 1740's. Due to its thick and stone walls and foundations, this building has survided the many earthquakes Antigua has experienced. It was once restored in 1853 by José María Palomo y Montúfar, and has been in excellent condition since then.
This building houses city hall, as well as, the Armour Museum and the Antique Book Museum, two of the museums most frequented by turist in Antigua.
Cobblestone Street
