Jul 7, 2009

Iglesia y Convento de La Recolección Antigua, Guatemala

It’s hard to fathom how large the Iglesia y Convento de La Recolección must have been before an earthquake destroyed it in the 1700s little more than half a century after it was built. Located on the outskirts of Antigua, Guatemala it is one of many churches in Antigua to be destroyed by earthquakes.

Its remains are like an architectural dinosaur in terms of scale. Perhaps its massive size made it too daunting to rebuild. Some of its peers in other parts of town have been resurrected in the aftermath of earthquakes including Catedral de Santiago and La Merced Church.

The ruins, which at one time also included a convent, are located on Avenida de la Recolección about a 10-minute walk from the center of town. The catastrophic site is surrounded by serene well-manicured gardens. If you show up in the late afternoon you might even have the place to yourself.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

just extraordinary! i've been browsing your blog - have had so little time lately to catch up - feel as if i'v had a holiday:)

BBE said...

Thanks for the photos, old ruins are so evocative.

BBE

Jen Laceda | Milk Guides said...

These ruins are the real deal! Love it!s

Fly Girl said...

Those ruins are still beautiful, despite the destruction of much of it's structure. It looks like a very peaceful place.

Anonymous said...

That is magnificient.

rob said...

Great photos, great blog. Will stumbl

Wendy said...

Thanks all for stopping by as always.
Rob, thanks for the stumble.

mina said...

looks stunning! great photos