The capital of Guatemala is so bright and colorful that travelers hardly manage to get used to the fact that ancient temples and high-rise buildings, luxurious mansions and slums coexist on the same territory. Particularly noteworthy is the Park Central square - it is worth walking along it, especially on Sundays, when the market unfolds here (guests will be able not only to make useful purchases, but also to be surrounded by artists and musicians).
National Palace of Culture
The palace (an artificial green stone was used in its facing), which is an architectural symbol of Guatemala, once served as the headquarters of the country's government, and today it is interesting for its 350 rooms and a museum (pleases guests with art exhibitions and the opportunity to view collections of sculptures), in the halls which often hosts important government meetings.
Examining the interior decoration, visitors will be able to admire the chandelier, the decoration of which is the quetzali (denoting the 4 cardinal points) and crystals (its weight is about 2 tons), frescoes of Suarez (they reflect the history of Guatemala from colonialism to independence) and stained glass windows (the work of Orwell); and in one of the courtyards they will see a bronze sculpture with a rose (this is a symbol of peace in Guatemala).
The National Palace of Culture is considered the “zero point” from which the distances of all roads in Guatemala are measured.
Tower Torre del Reformador
A 70-meter structure in the form of an openwork metal structure, structurally similar to the Eiffel Tower (this tower was built for the 100th anniversary of the birth of Guatemalan President Barrios). It is worth noting that under the tower, between its supports, conditions have been created for the movement of vehicles, and after dark, those who wish will be able to admire the spectacular lighting of the tower, at the top of which, in addition, a lighthouse lights up.
Metropolitan Cathedral
The Cathedral is an important architectural achievement of the colonial era, and is a repository of treasures of religious art from the former capital of Guatemala, which was destroyed. Here you can admire paintings, statues, the Walker organ (it was brought here from Germany in 1937) and the altar (visitors will be able to see the statue of the crucified Christ), as well as look into the museum. In addition, there are crypts here - the burial places of bishops, governors, and former presidents. As for the building itself, its main components are 3 naves and 2 bell towers with 9 bells (the main decoration is the blue dome).
