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Its construction started around 1541 and 1545. Along the centuries, it has been built and rebuilt many times, due to the major earthquakes that have struck the country. In 1680, the church was finally consecrated: "Catedral Primada de Santiago de los Caballeros", devoted to the cult of St. James, the Patron Saint of Guatemala. This Cathedral had a large dome, multiple chapels, naves, important paintings, statues, golden carved altars and an underground mortuary crypt. But the earthquakes continued, in 1717 ("Terremotos de San Miguel"), in 1751 ("Terremotos de Guatemala") and in 1773 ("Terremotos de Santa María"). Right after this last earthquake, which destroyed almost the whole city of "Santiago de los Caballeros" (the actual "Antigua"), the Spanish authorities decided to build a new capital city - "La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción" (the actual "Ciudad de Guatemala") and a new cathedral - the actual "Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Santiago de Guatemala", in Ciudad de Guatemala. The ruins of the old "Catedral Primada de Santiago de los Caballeros" were left behind and a great part of them can still be visited in Antigua. I strongly recommend this visit as the ruins are very interesting, extremely beautiful and near Antigua's "Parque Central". Unmissable! Enjoy!…
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Date of experience: November 2019
1 Helpful vote
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The cathedral is, as usual, located on the central plaza. We did not go in but externally this building does not disappoint. Very grand
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Date of experience: October 2019
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This church is not to be missed if visiting the city of Antigua. The ruins of the old church are immense and interesting to see. Bring your camera.
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Date of experience: March 2020
1 Helpful vote
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This pretty cathedral sits opposite the central park of Antigua. It has a beautiful facade covered with carvings and statues. It makes for a nice photo.
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Date of experience: February 2020
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You can enter the church for free and I highly recommend it. Don’t wear tank tops and short shorts ladies it’s looked down upon. I caught a bit of an English service on a Sunday afternoon. Lovely facade.
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Date of experience: January 2020
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