A colourful colonial town, once the capital of Guatemala. Cobbled streets make cars drive slower but they are also uneven and difficult to walk on so circulation is also slow for pedestrians too.
Antigua was largely destroyed by an earthquake about 350 years ago – Low bells towers are built to withstand earthquakes.
There is no plastic on the streets, street furniture are made of iron, and benches are made of iron and wood.
Public Space
There are no trees on the streets the houses however are arranged in a perimeter fashion allowing plenty of space for trees and flowers in the inner courtyard.
The house facades make it up for not having trees, with their bright colours, wood carved balconies and large windows and heavy wooden doors, as well as their hand painted tiles.
House and shops interiors
The city is built on a grid pattern with one of the blocks being the park where the heart of the city is and where everyone hangs out until late.
According to a local, Antigua nowadays attracts mostly companies and has not as many local permanent residents. There is a fear of uncontrolled tourism, local people live mainly in the outskirts.
Signs
The signage is very particular here – it is mostly tiled. Street signage is made of beautifully painted tiles which are part of the facade or pavements.
The city is built on a grid pattern with one of the blocks being the park where the heart of the city is and where everyone hangs out until late.
According to a local, Antigua nowadays attracts mostly companies and has not as many local permanent residents. There is a fear of uncontrolled tourism, local people live mainly in the outskirts.
People
Local women and girls dressed in their traditional clothes and often carry goods in a basket or bag on their head.
Mercado (photos)
Locals getting ready for Christmas, buying food, flowers and decorations from the market.
what is special about this town is its views of the surrounding volcanoes.
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