Capilla del Calvario

Chichicastenango


On the west side of the plaza, this whitewashed church is similar in form and function to Santo Tomás, but smaller. Ceremonies go on continually in front of the church, as worshippers ring a bonfire of fragrant copal, while within, candles are placed upon blackened stone slabs.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Chichicastenango attractions

1. Museo Arqueológico Regional

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Chichi's archaeology museum holds the collection of Hugo Rossbach, a German who served as the town's Catholic priest until his death in 1944. It includes…

2. Market

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Some villagers still walk for hours carrying their wares to reach Chichi's market, one of Guatemala's largest and a highlight of many people's trips to…

3. Mural

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Be sure to admire the mural that runs alongside the wall of the town hall on the east side of the plaza – it’s dedicated to the victims of the civil war…

4. Centro Comercial Santo Tomás

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Even on non-market days, the covered market on the north side of the square buzzes with activity. The fresh produce on display is a reflection of…

5. Iglesia de Santo Tomás

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This church on the plaza's east side dates from 1540 and is often the scene of rituals that are more distinctly Maya than Catholic. Inside, the floor of…

6. Galería Pop-Wuj

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On the way down the hill to the shrine at Pascual Abaj, you might stop into this interesting gallery. Developed as an art institute for local children…

7. Pascual Abaj

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On a hilltop south of town, Pascual Abaj (Sacrifice Stone) is a shrine to the Maya earth god Huyup Tak'ah (Mountain Plain). A stone-faced idol stands amid…

8. K'umarcaaj

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The ruins of the ancient K'iche' Maya capital of K'umarcaaj remain a sacred site for the Maya, and contemporary rituals are customarily enacted here…

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