Antigua today

Antigua Guatemala*
UNESCO World Heritage Site
State Party	Guatemala
Type	Cultural
Criteria	ii, iii, iv
Reference	65
Region**	Latin America and the Caribbean
Inscription history
Inscription	1979  (3rd Session)
* Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. ** Region as classified by UNESCO.

Central Park (Parque Central) is the heart of the city. The reconstructed fountain there is a popular gathering spot. Off to the side of the Central Park, the Arco de Santa Catalina is among the many notable architectural landmarks of La Antigua.

The re-constructed Central Park fountain

La Antigua is noted for its very elaborate religious celebrations during Lent (Cuaresma), leading up to Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Easter(Pascua). Each Sunday in Lent, one of the local parishes sponsor a Procession through the streets of Antigua.

There are also many Spanish language schools in Antigua and it is one of the most popular and best recognized centers for spanish language study by students from Europe and North America.

The University of San Carlos in Antigua was founded by the Papal Bull of Pope Innocent XI issued dated 18 June 1687.

Antigua is a growing tourist destination in Guatemala as it is close to Guatemala City but is much calmer and safer, with more tourist oriented activities. It is possible to take buses from Antigua to many parts of Guatemala, though the transportation is more central in Guatemala City.