Santa Catalina Arch (Arco de Santa Catalina)
The Basics
Creating a perfect frame for the Agua Volcano in the background, the Santa Catalina Arch is a ready-made postcard. The French-style clock at the center of the arch was added in the 1800s and must be wound every three days. Learn about the arch while on a walking tour of the city’s most interesting landmarks. Some food-focused tours combine sightseeing with tastings of local food specialties, shopping at a local market to learn about indigenous ingredients, and enjoying a meal at classic Guatemalan eatery. If chocolate is your idea of food, take a chocolate-making class.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Santa Catalina Arch is an ideal spot for a photo opportunity.
- The cobblestone streets leading to the arch can get bumpy, but are wheelchair accessible.
- The arch is looked after by the Santos family, which owns Hotel El Convento now on the site of the former Convent of Santa Catalina.
Trip ideas
How to Get There
Santa Catalina Arch (Arco de Santa Catalina) is located on 5a Avenida Norte and 2 Calle Poniente, about a block away from Iglesia de la Merced on Plaza Mayor, the main square in Antigua. The arch is within easy walking distance from any part of the city.
When to Get There
Santa Catalina Arch (Arco de Santa Catalina) is located on 5a Avenida Norte and 2 Calle Poniente, about a block away from Iglesia de la Merced on Plaza Mayor, the main square in Antigua. The arch is within easy walking distance from any part of the city.
La Merced Cathedral
Canary yellow with white trim, the baroque La Merced Cathedral is one of Antigua’s few colonial churches to survive earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Inside its thick walls are notable artworks such as a sculpture of Jesus carrying a golden cross, which is paraded through the streets on Palm Sunday and Good Friday. Be sure to climb the bell towers for a bird’s-eye view of the romantic UNESCO World Heritage–listed city.
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- Palace of the Captains General (Palacio de los Capitanes Generales)
- Antigua Central Park (Parque Central)
- Antigua City Hall (Palacio del Ayuntamiento)
- Catedral de Santiago (Antigua Cathedral)
- Museum of Colonial Art (Museo de Arte Colonial)
- Jade Factory and Museum (Jade Maya)
- ChocoMuseo Antigua
- La Merced Church (Iglesia de la Merced)
- Las Capuchinas (Convento de Las Capuchinas)
- Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco)
- Casa Santo Domingo (Monasterio de Santo Domingo)
- Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross)
- Acatenango
- Pacaya Volcano
- Iximché