Parque Central at night, Antigua, Guatemala, Central America

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Parque Central

Antigua


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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

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…

2. Palacio del Ayuntamiento

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…

3. Catedral de Santiago

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 –…

4. Museo del Libro Antiguo

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…

6. Choco Museo

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…

7. Iglesia El Carmen

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…

8. La Antigua Galería de Arte

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…