9:00 a.m.
|
The great metropolis of Guatemala City, with over three million inhabitants, is a meeting place for a vast variety of different customs, traditions, religious beliefs, and ways of life from all over the country.
The visit starts with the beautiful colonial church, La Merced, which contains artwork that was moved from the convent and church of La Merced in the old capital of the Audiencia de Guatemala, Santiago de los Caballeros, today called Antigua, after that building was destroyed by earthquakes. La Merced contains a treasure trove of one of the oldest ecclesiastical iconography and furnishings in Latin America, an interesting sneak preview to the great Antigua churches.
The tour will then take you to the Central Plaza in the Historic Center in zone one. To the north lies the most imposing building of the Plaza, the National Palace, built in 1937 by then president Ubico. Visit its elaborate interior which houses paintings and sculptures by famous Guatemalan artists.
To the east of the Plaza is the Metropolitan Cathedral, founded in 1782. This baroque church contains ornate altars, statues and colonial artwork. Next door is the Archbishop’s Palace and a small but exquisite museum; you will have an intimate tour of its art, treasure and history.
|
|
2:30 p.m.
|
Visit the Central Market
Located a block away from the Cathedral, at the Central Market you will not only find unique Guatemalan handicrafts, but also see the colorful variety of local flowers, fruits, vegetables and you may even see livestock! Time for shopping!
|
