Antigua (5)


Source: WTL© digital photograph taken on site in Antigua, Guatemala.
Image: The façade of the Catedral de Santiago (St. James the Major Cathedral).
Comments: You have already discovered that this cathedral is the most iconic monument in Antigua and one of the most outstanding architectural gems of colonial Latin America. You have already discovered that, except for this façade and a few of its other remnants, the cathedral was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Hence, the style we see here is mostly Neoclassical, but it has touches that remind us of earlier styles reminiscent of the Renaissance and the Plateresque period. The cathedral was begun in 1543, torn down in 1668, rebuilt starting the following year, wrecked by repeated earthquakes, destroyed in 1773, then partially rebuilt. Since cathedrals take a fortune to build, in this case, the original money came from the money left in the estate of conquistador Pedro de Alvarado (ca. 1485-1541). Currently, the religious institution in this building is the Catholic parish church of San José (St. Joseph), and it exists behind the façade in what was once the entrance foyer. One can visit the once giant cathedral from the side street to the right.
For a look at details seen on this façade, start the detailed study tour here: => Antigua #5a.