ANTIGUA GUATEMALA, Guatemala — Mercado Municipal, the main market, in Antigua, Guatemala. In the background, one of the volcanos is mostly obscured by clouds.
Photograph by David Coleman. The streets of Antigua Guatemala offer a captivating glimpse into the colonial past of Central America. This well-preserved city, once the capital of Spanish Guatemala, is renowned for its cobblestone streets lined with colorful, low-slung buildings in the Spanish Baroque style. The scene captures the essence of Antigua's charm: pedestrians leisurely walk along the uneven cobblestones, past buildings painted in a palette of soft yellows, blues, and pinks. Ornate wooden doors and wrought-iron window grilles add to the colonial ambiance, while the imposing silhouette of Agua Volcano looms in the background, a constant reminder of the natural forces that have shaped the city's history. Despite numerous earthquakes that led to the capital being moved to present-day Guatemala City, Antigua has maintained its 16th-century layout and much of its original architecture. This preservation has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status and made it a popular destination for tourists and language students alike. The streets of Antigua serve not just as thoroughfares but as living museums, where every corner tells a story of the city's rich past while accommodating modern cafes, shops, and hotels that cater to visitors from around the world. This blend of historical significance and contemporary use creates a uniquely vibrant atmosphere that defines Antigua Guatemala.
Size: 4290px × 2849px
Location: Mercado Municipal, Antigua, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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