Antigua Guatemala Cathedral (Spanish: Catedral de San José) is a Latin Catholic church in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala. The original church was built around 1541, but suffered several earthquakes throughout its history, and the first church building was demolished in 1669. The cathedral was rebuilt and consecrated in 1680. By 1743 the cathedral was one of the largest in Central America. However, the devastating 1773 Guatemala earthquake seriously damaged much of the building, though the two towers at the front remained largely intact. These have undergone restoration work, and the cathedral has been partly rebuilt
After the Santa Marta Earthquakes of 1773 that destroyed Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala, there was a large argument between Spanish and clerical authorities on whether to move the city to a new location . Against strong opposition of archbishop Pedro Cortés y Larraz, Captain General Martin de Mayorga decided to impose the move to its new location in the Ermita Valley; Cortés y Larraz was afraid that with the move the church had to begin from scratch and would lose part, if not all, of its power and influence. The cathedral moved to the new capital on 22 November 1779, but all the interior ornaments that had not been destroyed by the earthquake in the old building remained behind in what was now called Antigua Guatemala; in 1783 they were taken away from the frail ruins and stored in the old Universidad de San Carlos Borromeo building and in the El Sagrario Parish warehouse, which was also open the public in a section of the old cathedral.
Marvin Tajiboy | Feb 24, 2018
It's an amazing city, full of tourists all the time, with culture and traditions that really exciting you!
Andrew Ruggles | Jan 16, 2018
Looking onto the plaza is this beautiful church.
Lisa Morris | Sep 2, 2017
This is a beautiful place to visit. A wedding was happening one day.
Peter Nagel | Feb 14, 2017
The decorations in the part that's still in use is not too exaggerated, quite beautiful. But definitely worth a visit is the part on the back (entrance on the right side!). There you can see how big this thing once was!
Andrew Leipzig | Feb 2, 2018
Beautiful piece of Architecture!
Deborah Laks | May 21, 2018
Cozy, fresh, tasty food, well served, good service. Highly recommended for lunch !
Jeff Rojas | May 19, 2018
This cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt again. According to the tales, at today it's smaller than hundred years ago.
Eduardo Villagran | Apr 8, 2018
Nice place to visit if you're traveling or even if you're just chillin'
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