We're in Antigua! We left our hotel at 5:05 this morning and arrived in Antigua at 10:00. After the sun came up, we saw some beautiful vistas as we drove through the mountains. Antigua is as lovely as I remembered. The town sits at about 5000 feet and is surrounded by volcanoes. It was the most important Spanish settlement between Mexico City and Lima, and was founded in 1527. Antigua was the original capitol of Guatemala until an earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1773.
Antigua is filled with ruins of churches destroyed by various earthquakes. Since we are nearing Holy Week, we saw a few processions and the city was decorated for Lent. We had a wonderful day exploring the city.
I miss you tons! I hope you had fun watching the soccer game tonight. Good luck in your games tomorrow! I love you bunches and bunches.
Love, Mom
On our way to lunch. The Arco de Santa Catalina is in the background.
The view from the restaurant where we ate lunch.
El Convento de la Compania de Jesus was built between 1690 and 1698. It was destroyed in three earthquakes in 1717, 1751, and 1773.
A Lenten carpet. These are made in the churches out of a dyed grain, fruit, and vegetables. Stencils are used to make the beautiful designs out of the grain and the fruits and vegetables are placed around the carpet in intricate patterns.
This is the Antigua Cathedral. It looks big, but actually, the ruins of a 16th century cathedral sit right behind the cathedral. In fact, when you walk in the front door, you have to turn right to face the alter rather it being straight in front of you like other cathedrals.
Tanque La Union - In colonial times, this was used as a public laundry.
This is the Iglesia de San Francisco. It is really lovely. The next seven pictures are on the grounds of this church.
I was unable to determine what this building was in its previous life, but I liked the way it was lit. It reminded me a little of some of Guadi's buildings in Barcelona.
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