Historical Center in Guatemala

The Old Guatemala, the Historical Center of the Capital City is a window into the past and walk through its streets and the avenues will show you the most unexpected architectural details. Devote a section to the historic sites and building style.

Detail of the French School

Most of the modern cities have been built on ancient cities, except those that are built on uninhabited territories pushing through nature.

In this process are standing architectural relics that showcase the best of the styles of each era. Some of the houses and buildings become monuments for their historical value, not only for its beauty but for the important events that happened under their roofs. Therefore, the Historical Center is a major historical tourist attraction in Guatemala.

Original layout of the Guatemala City.

After the Old Guatemala were destroyed by the earthquake of Santa Marta, in 1773.The new city was built in the Valley of the Hermitage. Three years later (1776) begins the mobilization and draw the city.

Soon formed the first neighborhoods were formed in 1821 that was well populated and defined area that continued to grow. From 1900 to date is preserved almost intact the original layout with streets and avenues, straight and parallel around a central park surrounded by traditional buildings, including the government palace and the cathedral.

Styles of the Historical Center

Guatemala City was the center of political activities and in many ways also economic. Its buildings are dressed almost all architectural styles of the nineteenth century. The facades and interiors today show the art deco, baroque, neoclassical, eclectic and art nouveau among others.

Earthquakes of 1917 and 1976

As the Old Guatemala, the new city suffered the earthquakes, this time in the year 1917 and 1976. This affected many buildings, some left uninhabitable and others completely destroyed. Some major remained standing for reconstruction and refurbishment with new jobs, Guatemala City remained in place.

The town grew and absorbed other remote areas important business centers. The center was no longer the protagonist in its entirety only in the history of Guatemala, but remained an important part, both historical and architectural.

The buildings began to surround itself with some new modern building styles, but to preserve this treasure, was defined the Historic Center of Guatemala, which is not just a collection of buildings, similar to that now governs the construction of the Old Guatemala.

The Historic Center of Guatemala runs from the 2nd to 18 th Street by the 1st Avenue area 1 to the margin are the same streets at 12 Avenue Zone 1.

Mixing ancient and modern styles

The Historic Center is now a mix of modern styles with the original styles of construction. Walking through its streets reveals interesting and valuable details, like if you walk around the Old Guatemala. Its buildings, some facilities management, government, economy and art, are kept in operation to date, while others have become public museums or private.

Historical Center in Guatemala