Antigua is a renowned historic city located in the Central American nation of Guatemala. Founded in 1543, it is situated in the Panchoy Valley at an elevation of 1,500 meters, near the peaks of the Agua and Fuego volcanoes. The architectural landscape of this colonial town, spanning over 50 hectares, is dominated by churches and monasteries designed in the 18th-century Baroque style. The city’s layout was rebuilt following a series of successive earthquakes, resulting in a defensive, fortress-like appearance characterized by thick walls, low towers, and vibrant colors.
Antigua is the birthplace of the renowned Barroco Antigüeño artistic style, which spread throughout Latin America; the city also exported religious artworks to Spain. Antigua offers unique evidence of a colonial American city from the Baroque era. In most parts of the city, one only needs to look up to see the summit of the Agua Volcano. Most of the city's buildings, including churches, hotels, and the city hall, feature distinct Renaissance-era characteristics. Antigua provides an outstanding example of an 18th-century architectural ensemble and serves as a precise archaeological site that outlines the context of daily life.