ANTIGUA GUATEMALA, Guatemala — The iconic Santa Catalina Arch spans Calle del Arco, framing a view of Volcán de Agua in the distance. The yellow baroque structure, with its clock tower and weathered walls, stands as a symbol of the city's colonial heritage against a backdrop of cobblestone streets and colorful buildings.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua Guatemala is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks and a testament to its rich colonial history. Built in the 17th century, this striking yellow baroque structure spans Calle del Arco, creating a picturesque passageway between the former Santa Catalina convent and the rest of the city. The arch's most distinctive feature is its clock tower, added in the 1830s, which has become an enduring symbol of Antigua. The structure's weathered walls and ornate details reflect centuries of history, having survived numerous earthquakes that damaged much of the city. Framed within the arch's central opening is a breathtaking view of Volcán de Agua, one of the three volcanoes surrounding Antigua. This perfectly aligned vista creates one of the most photographed scenes in Guatemala, capturing the essence of Antigua's colonial charm against the backdrop of natural beauty. Today, the Santa Catalina Arch serves not only as a historical monument but also as a vibrant center of activity. The cobblestone street passing beneath it is lined with colorful buildings housing cafes, shops, and hotels, making it a focal point for both locals and tourists exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua Guatemala.
Size: 4290px × 2849px
Location: Calle del Arco, Antigua, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 17th, agua, america, american, americas, antigua, arch, architectural, architecture, archway, arco, building, calle, catalina, central, century, cobblestone, colonial, cultural, de, del, edifice, edifices, el, flag, guatemala, guatemalan, heritage, history, iron, lanterns, latin, lime, mesoamerica, national, photo, photogenic, photography, roof, santa, site, spanish, spot, streets, structures, style, terracotta, tiles, traditional, travel, unesco, volcan, volcano, volcá, wash, world, wrought
