Description

This tour will take you to 4 catholic churches, 3 of them in zone 1, the historic center.

Highlights

  • Discover Guatemala City’s Metropolitan Cathedral of St. James. This stately, blue-domed, earthquake-resistant cathedral was completed in 1868 after 86 years of construction. The neoclassical structure inspires both austerity and awe, with its stone floors, colonial paintings, lofty arches, and bursts of gold at its altars. Perhaps the cathedral’s most striking feature is the entrance, which is supported by 12 pillars, each of which is inscribed with the names of hundreds of Guatemalans who died or “disappeared” during the civil war. The interior is large and filled with religious icons, carvings, and artworks. You can tour the catedral in about 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Church of Yurrita. This is not your run-of-the-mill colonial This captivating structure, with an ornate blood-red tower and stonemasonry, was built in 1929 by the Yurrita family. The architecture shows a mix of styles from neo-Gothic to baroque. Many people think it could be the work of Antoni Gaudi, the famous Spanish architect. The interior colors and artwork are almost as spectacular as the exterior. Look for the painted glass window made to look like the daytime sky. This church is also known as La Capilla de Nuestra Señora de las Angustias (the Chapel of Our Lady of Anguish). 
  • San Francisco Church. The namesake Franciscan order built this baroque church in the early 19th century. The main altar is an impressive piece of work, at almost 91m (300 ft.) tall and 12m (40 ft.) wide. The church is famous for its woodcarvings, which include its main altar and a couple of beautiful pieces donated by King Charles V of Spain.
  • La Merced church, not to be confused with its more famous sister church of the same name in Antigua, this lovely baroque-style building has one of the most ornate facades of any Catholic church in Guatemala City. The interior is quite stunning as well, and features an extensive collection of religious art, sculpture, and relics. Originally built and administered by the order of La Merced, it was taken over by the Jesuits in the early 19th century.

INFORMATION

Availability:

Every day.

Departure times:

08:00 Hrs

Duration:

4 hours

Its a door to door Service?

Yes

Pick up:

Hotel & airport

Drop off:

Hotel & airport

Price

55 USD p.p. mínimum two persons

Included

Transportation GO AND RETURN FROM THE HOTEL ZONE 9 and 10 or ZONE 1 or THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, (excellent for lay-over time), Bilingual Guide/drive

Not included:

Entrance fees, food and gratuities.