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It was just kind of a "welcoming change", I would say, after walking along the streets of the city's area with mostly heritage-styled buildings (likely its downtown which was not too crowded but still in a "close proximity" to buildings as can be expected being in like a city's core) to arrive at this impressive-sized plaza (likely "more a rectangle" than a square): where right about at the center is a fair-sized fountain with a "raised platform" right beside the fountain (for some good 360-degree viewing of the Plaza while leaning against the platform's railings), where also at about the center is a national flag (pretty-good-sized to look up above), and where also seen at the time (but yes likely a "usual scenario") just quite spread out over the Plaza's ground area were a "huge swarm" of pigeons with actually also kind of not surprisingly an outdoor vendor for pigeon food right nearby. And yes, to do in conjunction with this plaza (for about a half-day sightseeing in total) are Catedral Metropolitana on the Plaza's east side (with a pretty great "decorative interior" of nice paintings & these super-sized medals kind of a "unique feature" the likes of which I have seen at no other cathedral) and Palacio Nacional on the Plaza's north side (with 2 levels of a "fairly impressive" interior with some stairway murals, beautiful rooms & miscellaneous displays). Also, quite conveniently located in a close vicinity "pretty much right around" this plaza are Mercado Central (for all various Guatemala souvenirs and also with a food court for "local meals") and fast-food places such as McDonald's & Pizza Hut. Among the "main plazas" of South & Central Americas (with one in every capital & also some smaller cities), I was impressed most by "3 of them" one of which being this plaza (along with those of Bogota & Mexico City) for their wide-open spaciousness not just due to the size but also taking into account being uncluttered by things such as trees & flower beds (as is the case at some plazas making them less wide-open).…
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Date of experience: February 2020
1 Helpful vote
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It was under renovation when we visit however they let us in. Guatemala people are very friendly in the city.
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Date of experience: January 2020
2 Helpful votes
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This is the biggest and most important square in the whole country and has had many names along the centuries ... "Plaza Mayor, Plaza Central, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de los Lamentos, Parque Central" and, lately, "Plaza Mayor de la Constitución"! Right after the major earthquakes of 1773, known as the "Terremotos de Santa María", which destroyed the city of "Santiago de los Caballeros" (the actual "Antigua"), the Spanish authorities decided to build a new city - "Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción" (the actual "Ciudad de Guatemala") - replacing the former capital. As traditional in the colonial years, a central square was mandatory in all towns. So, "Plaza Mayor de la Constitución" dates from 1776 and its central fountain, known as "Fuente de Carlos III", was erected in 1779. The square, located in Ciudad de Guatemala's Zone 1, is the very heart of the historical district. It is sided by important buildings and parks, such as the "Palacio Nacional de la Cultura" (the former presidential palace), the "Catedral Metropolitana", the "Biblioteca Nacional de Guatemala", the "Portal del Comércio" and the "Parque Centenário". After the 1976 earthquakes, "Plaza Mayor de la Constitución" was completely renovated, with the construction of an underground parking area. Nevertheless, after the conversion of the presidential palace into a museum, the square has lost much of its past glory and political importance, but it is still an outstanding tourist attraction and should be visited! Enjoy!…
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Date of experience: November 2019
1 Helpful vote
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what a great monument and its architecture is fascinating. the history is very interesting. I admired the building so much!
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Date of experience: October 2019
1 Helpful vote
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Typical central plaza in central and southern American counties. This one has a plaza with a church and a government building. Lots of pigeons. Local people and local vendors too.
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Date of experience: September 2019
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