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Antigua Guatemala is located in the highlands of Guatemala at the foot of the Agua volcano, about 1,530 m (5,000 ft) above sea level. As Antigua's splendid colonial ambiance has been well preserved, it was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and Monument of the Americas. |
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| Antigua's beautiful Central Park is a popular meeting place for travelers and locals alike. |
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The Cathedral on the east side of the Central Park was largely destroyed by the earthquake of 1773 and has only been partially rebuilt. |
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| La Merced church is a splendid example of the baroque building style that was popular in Guatemala in the 18th century. The low, sturdy bell towers are a tribute to the earthquakes that frequently hit the area — and they have survived all earthquakes to this day. |
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While the church of La Merced survived the earthquake of 1773 nearly intact, the adjacent convent was almost completely destroyed. |
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| Easter week is by far the most fascinating and also the busiest time of year in Antigua Guatemala. Processions and other religious festivities abound and thousands of visitors from near and far come to Antigua to participate. |
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