11 Best Antigua Ruins: Which to See and Skip

Imagine walking through the old parts of a city that was once full of life, where every stone has a story. Antigua, with its rich history and stunning ruins, shows visitors a special look into its past. This guide talks about the 11 best Antigua ruins, showing the ones that are very impressive and the ones you might skip. By the end, you will know how to enjoy your cultural adventure the most.

Antigua’s Earthquakes

magine a city where Mother Nature often shows its power, this is the reality in Antigua Guatemala, a former Spanish colonial capital known for its beauty and historical significance. With a past marked by big earthquakes, learning about this part of Antigua is important to understand its architecture and cultural resilience. In this article, you will see the main earthquakes that shaped Antigua’s history, helping you understand how these events affected its present and future.

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1. Santa Clara Covent (Best Antigua Ruins)

Nestled among the beautiful Antigua ruins, the Santa Clara Covent📍 shows the city’s rich colonial history. It was once a lively home for the Poor Clare Sisters, and its old walls tell stories of devotion and resilience. The detailed parts of its baroque architecture, decorated with pretty designs, make visitors think about the skill and hard work of the artisans who worked here. Imagine the lively life that once filled these halls, now quiet but still very evocative.

Entrance fee is 40 Q (5 USD). A small museum is available on-site, and unlike other places in Antigua, many informative displays explain the purpose of each room.

2. Antigua Cathedral Ruins

Nestled in the heart of Antigua, the Antigua Cathedral📍 reminds visitors of the city’s storied past. Built in the 18th century, this grand building was an architectural marvel, showing detailed Baroque designs that reflect the artistry and ambition of its time. Today, the ruins give a feeling of nostalgia, inviting visitors to walk through what was once a place for spiritual life, where stories of faith and resilience echo among the old walls.

Tip: Tickets to enter the ruins cost 20 Q (2.50 USD). Don’t miss the two staircases that lead down to the church’s catacombs. They can be hot and cramped, making them easy to overlook, but they are fascinating to explore.

3. Casa Santo Domingo Hotel (Hidden Antigua Ruins)

Nestled in the heart of Antigua, the  Casa Santo Domingo Hotel📍 mixes history with luxury, making it a top place for travelers looking for both comfort and cultural richness. The hotel’s beautiful architecture comes from the old Santo Domingo Convent ruins, giving guests a chance to see centuries-old stonework while enjoying modern amenities. As you walk through the green gardens and courtyards, these ruins not only make a pretty view but also create a strong link to Antigua’s storied past.

🎟️ Note: Entrance is free! There are also some paid museums if you want a more in-depth look into the history of the building. 😴 Sleep here: If your budget allows you can stay a night here.

4. El Carmen

Nestled in the heart of Guatemala, El Carmen📍 gives a fascinating look at the city’s history mixed with beautiful architecture. The old Antigua ruins show the city’s colonial past, letting visitors walk through time and see the elegance of its once-grand buildings. This area, which was once full of life, now shows an interesting mix of old crumbling facades and lively local culture, making a place that feels both haunting and exciting.

Note: You cannot enter the church, but viewing it from the street is pleasant. It’s close to the city center, so you can easily see it while strolling around.

5. Capuchinas Convent

The Capuchinas Convent📍 in Antigua is an amazing example of the city’s rich history and architectural beauty. Nestled among the beautiful Antigua ruins, this old convent lets visitors explore its calm gardens and interesting cloisters, where time feels like it stops. As you walk through its stone arches, the stories of the past can be felt, giving a look into the lives of the nuns who once lived here.

Entrance: Tickets cost 40 Q (5 USD) and it is well worth the money. Many of the rooms and courtyards have been restored and it is a nice place to wander.

6. Antiguo Colegio de la Compania de Jesus (Free Art Gallery)

Nestled in the heart of Antigua, theAntiguo Colegio de la Compania de Jesus📍 shows the city’s rich history and cultural evolution. It was once a school of the Jesuit order, and now it is a free art gallery that shows the work of modern artists along with its old charm. With beautiful pieces of its original architecture, visitors can enjoy amazing artwork and also walk through the Antigua ruins, where the past mixes with the energy of modern expression.

Note: The ruins can only be seen from the street, so visiting is free. Entrance to the nearby cultural center (the red building) is also free and worth checking out.

7. Museo del Hermano Pedro

Nestled in the lively area of Antigua, the Museo del Hermano Pedro📍 lets visitors see a special mix of history, faith, and healing. This museum is in an old convent, showing displays about the life of Brother Pedro, a humble Franciscan who cared for the sick and poor in the 17th century. As you walk through its halls, you are not just looking at artifacts, but stepping into a story that shows the deep cultural layers of Antigua’s past, along with the tales of its beautiful ruins and churches.

Tip: Tickets to the ruins are 40 Q (5 USD). These ruins are less impressive than others on this list, so if you are short on time or money, it’s better to visit the other ruins first.

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8. Iglesia San Jose El Viejo

Nestled in the heart of Antigua, the Iglesia San Jose El Viejo📍 gives a look at the city’s rich history and architectural beauty. This special church, though less famous than others, shows the lasting spirit of colonial artistry. The old stones and detailed remains show many years of devotion, inviting visitors to think about the stories in its walls. A short walk from the busy streets, this hidden gem is near the green Caoba Farms 📍. The farm shows the natural beauty of the area and gives a calm place for visitors to have a moment of reflection.

Tip: Go for a walk to Caoba Farms and check out this cool old church on the way.

9. Candelaria Ruins

Nestled at the foot of Cerro de la Cruz, theCandelaria Ruins📍 show the story of an old civilization that once lived here. Often missed by tourists going to bigger archaeological sites, this hidden gem gives a special look at the past, mixing beautiful natural landscapes with rich cultural history. The site has interesting old terraced agriculture and ceremonial structures that show the skill of its builders.

Note: These are just small ruins of a church next to a basketball court, but they make a nice spot to pause and take a photo while heading to Cerro de la Cruz.

10. MUNAG – National Museum of Art (Free!)

MUNAG📍 the National Museum of Art in Antigua, shows the region’s rich artistic heritage and is a must-see among Antigua attractions. Visitors can enjoy a wide collection of contemporary pieces and historical artifacts, each telling a special story about the island’s culture and influences. The museum is free to visit, letting both locals and travelers experience the power of art without any limits.

Tip: Try to visit during the week to avoid queuing for it at the entrance.

11. Ermita San Jermino (Beautiful but too pricey)

Nestled in the beautiful area of Antigua, theErmita San Jermino📍 shows the city’s rich history. Its stunning architecture and calm ambiance attract visitors, though the entry fee might surprise those on a budget. The old structure, along with the lively surroundings, creates a pretty scene perfect for photos. For those who spend a little more, the visit is made special by the quiet stories of history echoing through the beautiful arches.

Tip: If your budget is not tight, it is worth coming because sitting on the grass with locals in the courtyard is nice. But if it is give this one a skip and use your money for some other ruins on this list. Read also: 🏠 How to get free accommodation

• Santa Clara Covent: Amazing inside and outside rooms to explore (40Q)
• Antigua Cathedral: Hidden catacombs to explore and very picturesque (20Q)
• Casa Santo Domingo Hotel: Hidden ruins inside a fancy hotel (Free/Paid museums)
• Capuchinas Convent: Popular Antigua ruin for weddings (40Q)
• Antiguo Colegio de la Compania de Jesus: Nice courtyard and galleries (Free)
• MUNAG: Art museum with small ruins in the back and great volcano (Free)

🤩 Ruins you should see:

❌ Ruins you could skip:

• Ermita San Jermino: Beautiful but too pricey (40Q)
• Museo del Hermano Pedro: Same price as Santa Clara Convent which is better (40Q)
• Candelaria Ruins: Only worth it on the way to Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint (Free)
• Iglesia San Jose El Viejo: Only worth it on the way to Caoba Farms (Free)
• El Carmen: Only possible to see the facade (Free)

Final thoughts

Exploring the ruins of Antigua gives a fascinating look at the city’s rich history. Each site has its own story and architectural beauty, so it is good to plan your visits based on what interests you. Some ruins are famous for their size and grandeur, while others give a smaller, more personal view of the past. By choosing carefully, you can have a memorable trip through Antigua’s past. So, pack your camera and start an unforgettable adventure to see the treasures hidden in Antigua’s ancient walls!

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