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History
The Mayan Civilization hit its highest point in northern
Guatemala during the Classic period. This race of architects,
artists, priests and rulers are one of Mesoamerica’s
most important cultures.
After the Spanish conquest,
many of the churches and civic buildings
established by colonists and religious orders still stand today.
Built on the legendary pre-Hispanic city of Kaminaljuyú,
Guatemala is the largest capitol in Central America.
Founded in 1776 as Guatemala de Asunción, the city
is a blend of baroque-style colonial and 19th
century neoclassical buildings such as the Cathedral,
La Merced, Santo Domingo, Cerrito del Carmen,
San Capuchinas churches, the strange Yurrita
chapel and the outstanding National Palace.
In other parts of the city, ultramodern
tower blocks lay near he few remaining
ruins of the pre-Hispanic city.
Located in the southern part of the city,
the Zona Viva is an upmarket district of
shops, hotels restaurants and nightclubs.
On the cultural front there are a number of
excellent museums of Archaeology and Ethnology,
the Ixchel and Popol Vuh museums, respectively
– art galleries, theaters, bookstores and other activities.
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Learn
Spanish in Antigua.
