Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the south end of the plaza, the Palace of the Captains General dates to 1558 and was
oncetheseatofgovernmentfortheentireCentralAmericanterritoryfromChiapastoCosta
Rica, of which Antigua was the capital, until 1773. Its imposing architecture is dominated
by a row of 27 arches on both of its floors. It once housed colonial rulers, the royal mint,
the judiciary, and tax offices, among other things. Today it houses the police department
and Sacatepéquez departmental government headquarters.
ARCO DE SANTA CATALINA
Three blocks north of the park along 5a Avenida Norte (also known as Calle del Arco) is
one of Antigua's most recognizable landmarks, the Santa Catalina archway. It is all that re-
mains of a convent dating to 1613. As the convent grew, it expanded to include a structure
across the street. The arch then was built to allow the nuns to cross to the other side while
avoiding contact with the general populace inaccordance with strict rules governing seclu-
sion. Its current version with a clock tower is a reconstruction dating to the 19th century,
as the original was destroyed in the 1773 earthquakes. The clock is a French model, which
neededtobewoundeverythreedays.Itstoppedworkingafterthe1976earthquakebutwas
repaired in 1991. Looking south through the archway, you'll find some nice framing for
an unobstructed view of Agua Volcano. The archway is practically an Antigua icon and is
beautifully painted in a rich orange hue with white accents that have become delightfully
aged.
CERRO DE LA CRUZ
In the hills north of the city stands this giant stone cross, from which there are sweeping
views south over the city with Agua Volcano in the background. Robberies were once fre-
quenthereuntilthecreationofthetourismpolice,whichbeganescortingvisitorstothesite
and pretty much put an end to these crimes. It's still a good idea to go along with a police
escort and to visit during daylight hours. Escorts are available free from the tourism police
near the central plaza. You'll want to bring along your camera and some water. It's about
a 30-minute walk from the plaza. From the top of the hill, you can see the entire Antigua
Valley and the cross makes for a nice foreground element.
