La Antigua Guatemala, commonly referred to as Antigua, is one of the most attractive cities in America. From the mid XVI century to 1776, Antigua was the capital city of Guatemala.
As time went by, due to historical events and mainly to natural phenomena, the capital city had to be moved some forty-five kilometers towards the east, where Guatemala city is located nowadays.
La Antigua Guatemala had to face several natural disasters; it was damaged by fire at several times and struck by devastating floods and earthquakes that nearly destroyed the whole city.
Fourtunately, despite all difficulties encountered, La Antigua Guatemala has managed to preserve most of the city's original buildings.
Nowadays, the Baroque architecutre of stunningly beautiful churches that can still be visited and the colonial style houses are some of the area's most attractive features.
Among the main churches that can be visited here, La Merced, Las Capuchinas and its museum and San Francisco church are some of the most beautiful ones. However, La Antigua offers many more attractions.
For instance, another major attraction of the city is the perimeter of the "antigueños", a place where a sketch map of the city is preserved as well as ancient traditions.
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