Guatemala: Antigua – Arco de Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina Arch is the most photographed location in Antigua and the emblem of the town. Spanning the cobblestone street, it frames Volcan de Agua – the image appearing on many postcards and calendars of Guatemala. Santa Catalina Arch was built in 1694 on what is now known as Calle del Arco, it was built for the simple reason of connecting two convents, the Convent of the Virgin and the Convent of Santa Catalina, so that the cloistered nuns could walk from one to the other without coming out into the street – a hidden passageway lies within the arch. The place around the arch is always a happening location – people taking photos, souvenirs peddlers, artisans, etc.
