Antigua

Picturesquely situated in a valley surrounded by the volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, Antigua was the capital of Guatemala from 1543 to 1776. Many of the beautiful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets of this period can still be admired today.

In 1773 an earthquake destroyed much of it, so the capital was moved to its current location. The ruins of churches scattered through Antigua, some of which are being restored, add to its charm. Antigua was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979, its population today is 30,000.