Surrounded by superb colonial structures, this broad and beautiful plaza is the gathering place for antigüeños and visitors alike – a fine, verdant place to sit or stroll and observe the goings-on, from hawkers and shoeshiners to school kids and groups of tourists. The buxom mermaids in the central fountain are a reconstruction of the original 1738 version, which was trashed early in the 20th century.
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Parque Central
Antigua
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo
0.43 MILES
Founded by Dominican friars in 1542, Santo Domingo became the biggest and richest monastery in Antigua. Following three 18th-century earthquakes, the…
0.31 MILES
At the northern end of 5a Av is La Merced – a striking yellow building trimmed with white plaster filigree. Its facade is one of the most beautiful in…
15.71 MILES
A wonderfully presented museum and cultural center set in a house dating from the late 19th century. The owners of the house were collectors with eclectic…
0.21 MILES
The Arco de Santa Catalina is Antigua's most iconic monument, and an early-morning or late-afternoon photo opportunity framing Volcán Agua through its…
Palacio Nacional de la Cultura
15.89 MILES
On the north side of Parque Central is this imposing presidential palace, which was built between 1936 and 1943 during the dictatorial rule of General…
0.05 MILES
Antigua's cathedral was begun in 1545, wrecked by the quake of 1773, and only partially rebuilt over the next century. The present sliver of a church –…
22.6 MILES
With two great carved stones, this archaeological site has the additional fascination of being an active place of pagan worship for local people. Maya…
16.66 MILES
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…
Nearby Antigua attractions
1. Palacio de los Capitanes Generales
0.04 MILES
Dating from 1549, the palace was colonial headquarters for all of Central America, from Chiapas to Costa Rica, until the capital was relocated in 1776…
0.05 MILES
This double-decker structure on the north side of the park dates from the 18th century. Besides town offices, the palace houses the Museo del Libro…
0.05 MILES
Antigua's cathedral was begun in 1545, wrecked by the quake of 1773, and only partially rebuilt over the next century. The present sliver of a church –…
0.05 MILES
The fascinating Museo del Libro Antiguo showcases the greatest hits of the early days of Guatemalan printing, plus a replica of Guatemala's first printing…
5. Antiguo Colegio de la Compañía de Jesús
0.14 MILES
Established in 1626, the Jesuit monastery and college was a vital component of Antigua life until the order was expelled in 1767; just six years later,…
0.16 MILES
It was the Maya who discovered the culinary uses of the cacao bean, which later became a form of currency for the Aztec empire. These are a few of the…
0.16 MILES
The church is not open to the public, but the partially destroyed facade with its multiple carved columns is a marvel. What we see today is what's left of…
0.17 MILES
Displaying works by more than 70 Guatemalan artists in the halls and patio of a colonial mansion, Antigua's premier art gallery merits an extended visit…
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