Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A more modern-day attraction is the Patio de la Paz, where a stone sculpture of two
hands commemorates the 1996 signing of the peace accords. A white rose held in the out-
stretched hands is changed at 11 A.M. daily by the palace guards or, on special occasions,
by visiting dignitaries.
Catedral Metropolitana
The construction of Guatemala City's neoclassical cathedral (7a Avenida facing the plaza,
6 A.M.-noon and 2-7 P.M.) began in 1782 and was completed in 1815, though the bell
towers would not be completed until 1867. It has survived two earthquakes, a testament to
its sturdy construction, though it isn't exactly the prettiest of Guatemala's churches. The
pillars on the church's facade are adorned with the names of many of Guatemala's disap-
peared,etchedintothestoneasatestament tothedesireforjustice,whetherinthislifetime
or the next. Inside, many of the altars and paintings adorning the church were brought here
forcefully when the capital, along with its institutions, was officially moved to its current
site from Antigua. The standout is the image of the Virgen del Perpetuo Socorro, Guatem-
ala's oldest, brought into the country by Pedro de Alvarado in 1524.
