January 07, 2005
Antigua Guatemala -- More Architectural Fragments
As you may recall from the previous post, Antigua Guatemala was a very wealthy city which was destroyed, in large part, by a combination of eathquake, flood, and volcanic eruption. The catastrophe devestated the buildings and the city in general. Some of the churches still remain unrestored. Here are some pictures I took of the volcanos, as seen from the city, and a couple of ruins and the beautiful, detailed, architectural elements. Can you imagine the wealth required to support the teaching and work for these craftsmen? I think that there is something very haunting and poignant about a ruin.
Here are the volcanos:
And here is the facade of the ruined cathedral in the main square (there is really nothing behind this facade, by the way):
Here is another church:
Here are two pictures of the rich detail I had talked about above on yet a third and different church:
and
Manohmanohman -- I spend hours looking at old buildings in downtown Spokane -- I imagine that I would have to be dragged off from this beauty! That scrollwork is absolutely gorgeous.
My favorite?? I love the shot of the clouds in the foreground, the mountain behind. Awesome.
Posted by: Margi at January 7, 2005 02:45 PMBeautiful pictures, Random. Breathtaking!
Makes me think of home...
Posted by: Mick at January 7, 2005 05:11 PMVery cool pics!
Posted by: Mark at January 9, 2005 10:35 PMI'm glad you all liked these. You should go visit the place. It is really worth the trip. Especially you, Mick, since Miami is so close.
Posted by: RP at January 10, 2005 07:53 AMOutstanding!
Posted by: Mark C N Sullivan at January 10, 2005 11:21 AMGorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.....
Posted by: Elizabeth at January 10, 2005 04:45 PMI love Antigua just like you do. It is a shame that so much is in ruin and needs restoration. Which is better? To look at the ruins? or to have the ruins restored?
Maybe the answer is a little of both.
I am in the process of purchasing a colonial home from 1567 which needs resoration. Is anybody interested in donating some funds to this charitable cause? The home is to become a museum open to the public and explaining the history of Antigua, its colonial era, and its growth through time. Anyone? go to www.heartforthenations.net to see our website. The museum is our new project in Guatemala.
Posted by: Michelle White at March 18, 2005 07:47 AM