Arches and Rectangular Doorway at Capuchinas

The more time I spend at Capuchinas the more I find this building to be very beautiful and enchanting. In case you don’t know or have forgotten, I am taking a certificate course in history of Antigua Guatemala at Capuchinas every two weeks on Thursdays. I have learned so much and this new acquired knowledge … Read more

Main Patio of Convento de Capuchinas

The huge convent complex of Las Capuchinas, founded as Convento e Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza. This building is now a museum. Also, this is another architectural master piece by colonial architect Diego de Porres. Escuela de Cristo and Las Capuchinas are the masterpieces of colonial architect Diego de Porres, mulato libre … Read more

Inside view of the arches of the entrance of El Calvario

Here’s a peak view at the three arches of the entrance of El Calvario church. A few times I have shown these arches as seen from the outside, but not often or maybe never from the inside. I gotta fix that. So here it is the view from the inside. If you would like to … Read more

Alameda del Calvario in Antigua Guatemala

Here’s a night vista of the Alameda (tree-lined avenue) of El Calvario. In the background you can appreciate one of the stations of the cross and the moon hiding behind the coffee plantation. I like how through the different lights one can see different layers in what would be an otherwise two dimensional image. What … Read more

Arched Entrance to San Francisco El Grande Church

The arched entrances of Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande are so majestic and elegant. Needless to say, this is among the most popular destinations of sight-seers in Antigua Guatemala. This church also holds the remains of Santo Hermano Pedro de Betancourt, Central America’s only saint, which makes this church a pilgrimage destination as well. … Read more

Guatemalan Baroque Entrance

Guatemalan Baroque Entrance by Rudy Giron - www.rudygiron.com

Now, be honest, don’t you wish this was the entrance to your home? I know I do. I normally like very minimalist architecture, sober and elegant, but this baroque arches and façade details win me over. By the way, in case you don’t know what are we looking at, this is the entrance to the … Read more

Yet Another Gated Community Entrance

Yet Another Gated Community Entrance by Rudy Giron

Here are some of the answers to the questions asked on the previous posts regarding gated communities. Occupy Antigua Guatemala? Definitely not since most land around Antigua Guatemala is among the most expensive land in Guatemala. Any occupy movement would get kicked out right away by owners, private guards and police to say the least. … Read more

Gated Community Entrances

Gated Community Entrances by Rudy Giron

It seems that all the real estate developing around Antigua Guatemala are just gated communities; these are like mushrooms, the spring up overnight. Most of these gated communities have guard at the gates. Well, guess what, I am not interested in the guards, but in the architectural style of the gates themselves. For instance the … Read more

Saint James Festivities in Antigua Guatemala

Saint James Festivities in Antigua Guatemala by Rudy Giron

July 25 is La Antigua Guatemala Patron’s Day; otherwise known as the fair day of Saint James. Why is Saint James the patron saint of La Antigua Guatemala? La Antigua Guatemala used to be the capital city of Guatemala (Central America to be precise) and at the time its name was La Muy Noble y … Read more

Details of San Francisco El Grande Church

Without a doubt Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande is one of my favorite churches to photograph. There’s always so much going on there and the fact that inside this temple you can find the remains of Santo Hermano Pedro de Betancourt makes it even more interesting for people to visit. I also like the … Read more

Enjoying the Winter Solstice in Antigua Guatemala

I came across this list of Five Reasons to Spend Christmas in Antigua Guatemala, which basically mentioned the weather as top reason number 2. I would say the writer got most of it right, except the temperature can go as low as 5C/41F around six in the morning; people do give Christmas cards, except they … Read more