Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(7a Av, Zona 1; 6am-noon & 2-7pm)
Facing Parque Central, this was constructed between 1782
and 1815 (the towers were finished in 1867). It has survived earthquake and fire well,
though the earthquakes of 1917 and 1976 did substantial damage. Its heavy proportions
and sparse ornamentation don't make for a particularly beautiful building, but it has a cer-
tain stateliness, and the altars are worth a look.
Mercado Central
(cnr 8a Av & 8a Calle, Zona 1; 8am-6pm)
Located behind the cathedral, this was one of the city's
major markets for food and other daily necessities until the building was destroyed by the
1976 earthquake. Reconstructed in the late 1970s, it now specializes in tourist-oriented
handicrafts. The food market thrives on the lowest floor.
MARKET
TOP OF CHAPTER
1
Zona 2
Mapa en Relieve
(Relief Map;
www.mapaenrelieve.org
;
Av Simeón Cañas Final; admission Q30; 9am-5pm)
North of Zona 1,
Zona 2 is mostly a middle-class residential district, but it's worth venturing along to
Parque Minerva to see this huge open-air map of Guatemala showing the country at a
scale of 1:10,000. The vertical scale is exaggerated to 1:2000 to make the volcanoes and
mountains appear dramatically higher and steeper than they really are.
Constructed in 1905 under the direction of Francisco Vela, it was fully restored and re-
painted in 1999. Viewing towers afford a panoramic view. This is an odd but fun place,
and it's curious to observe that Belize is still represented as part of Guatemala. It's an easy
walk (or short cab ride) from the Parque Central.
MONUMENT
TOP OF CHAPTER
1
Zona 4 & Around
Pride of Zona 4 (actually straddling its borders with Zonas 1 and 5) is the
Centro Cívico
OFFLINE MAP
