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Antigua City Hall Palace

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

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The Palacio del Ayuntamiento in Antigua Guatemala is an outstanding example of 18th-century colonial architecture in Central America. Located on the north side of the main plaza, the building was constructed between 1740 and 1743 under the direction of Diego de Porres. Its characteristic facade is defined by a double row of arches, giving the structure a monumental yet elegant appearance. Originally, the palace served as the seat of the city council and also housed the local prison. Despite the devastating Santa Marta earthquakes of 1773, the building remained largely intact, a testament to its solid construction and the use of massive stone walls. Today, the palace houses the Santiago Museum and the Old Book Museum, providing valuable insights into colonial history and early printing. As part of Antigua's historic center, the building is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains a key landmark for those interested in history and architecture.

Location: Guatemala
Top sights: Sacatepéquez Department · Museum of the Ancient Book · Antigua Guatemala
Nearby: Escuintla (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	21	22	23	23	22	21	21	21	20	19	19
Rain mm	5	7	12	41	163	225	172	223	243	191	43	8

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Antigua City Hall Palace is a historic building that now houses a museum and is open to the public. The ground floor with its arcades can be freely entered.

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Typical hours

The museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. It is typically closed on Mondays; hours may vary before holidays.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in the museum without flash. In the ground-floor arcades, you can take photos without restrictions.

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Time needed

The museum is quite small, a visit takes about 20-30 minutes. Allow more time for the adjacent Parque Central.

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Combine with

The palace is on Parque Central, directly opposite the cathedral and the Palace of the Captains General. Both are worth visiting.

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Getting there

Antigua is walkable; the palace is centrally located on the main square. From anywhere in the historic center it is easily reached on foot.

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Insider tip

Combine the museum visit with a coffee at the café across the square. The view of Volcán de Agua is spectacular.

Geography

Coordinates

14.55700, -90.73400

Facts

Construction was officially completed in 1743.
The facade consists of stone walls 1.20 meters thick.
It houses the very first book printed in Guatemala.
The building survived the 1773 earthquake with minimal damage.
Diego de Porres was the architect responsible for the design.
The arches span two stories across the front of the palace.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cathedral of San Jose<1 km · NExplore →

Casa K'ojom Music Museum2 km · SExplore →

Iztapa3 km · NExplore →

Escuintla5 km · SExplore →

Santiago Sacatepéquez6 km · NExplore →

Laguna Lachuá7 km · NExplore →

Escuintla Sugar Mill7 km · SExplore →

Chixoy or Negro River8 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Antigua City Hall Palace (3)

Sacatepéquez Department📍 landmark

Administrative region in central highlands of Guatemala, known for colonial towns.

Museum of the Ancient Book 📍 landmark

Museum displaying historical books and manuscripts from the colonial era.

Antigua Guatemala📍 landmark

Former capital of Guatemala, famous for well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Palacio del Ayuntamiento?

The historical town hall of Antigua Guatemala from the colonial period.

Where is the building located?

On the north side of Antigua's Central Park (Parque Central).

Is there a museum there?

Yes, it houses the Old Books Museum and the City Museum.

How much does the entrance cost?

Access to the building is often free; the museums charge a small fee.

Is photography allowed inside?

Restrictions usually apply in the museums; it is allowed in the public corridors.

Antigua City Hall Palace: where is it located?

Antigua City Hall Palace is located in Guatemala.

Antigua City Hall Palace: what is there to see?

Highlights include Sacatepéquez Department, Museum of the Ancient Book, Antigua Guatemala.

Antigua City Hall Palace: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Antigua City Hall Palace: why is it worth visiting?

The Palacio del Ayuntamiento in Antigua Guatemala is an outstanding example of 18th-century colonial architecture in Central America.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Antigua City Hall Palace

Best time to visit & climate