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Earthquake of 1773
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Historical site
The Earthquake of 1773, historically known as the Santa Marta earthquakes, was a series of catastrophic seismic events that almost completely leveled Santiago de los Caballeros (now Antigua Guatemala), then the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala. The most destructive tremors occurred on July 29, 1773, causing the collapse of grand churches, monasteries, and administrative buildings. Due to the extent of the damage and the perceived threat of future disasters, the Spanish Crown, urged by Captain General Martín de Mayorga, ordered the relocation of the capital to a safer location. This decision led to the 1776 founding of La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción in the Ermita Valley, which is modern-day Guatemala City. In Antigua, the skeletal ruins remained as silent witnesses to the tragedy, giving the city its distinctive historical atmosphere. The event not only shifted the center of power but also ended Antigua's golden age as the political heart of Central America.
- Location: Guatemala
- Top sights: Iglesia de San Francisco, Antigua Guatemala · Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Antigua Guatemala · National Museum of Guatemalan Art
- Nearby: Santiago Sacatepéquez (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
Visiting
The 1773 earthquake destroyed the then-capital Antigua Guatemala. Today, the ruins of destroyed buildings can be seen throughout the city, such as the cathedral and monasteries.
Typical hours
The ruins are usually freely accessible during daytime; some churches have fixed hours. Best visited in the morning when it is still cool.
Photography
Photography is allowed at the ruins and provides unique subjects. Mind the crumbling structures and do not climb on the walls.
Time needed
A walk to the main ruins in Antigua takes about 2-3 hours. For a thorough exploration of all earthquake relics, allow half a day.
Combine with
Combine visiting the earthquake ruins with a climb of Pacaya Volcano. The nearby Antigua market also features traditional crafts.
Getting there
Antigua Guatemala is about 45 km west of Guatemala City. The city is easily reachable by bus or taxi, and the ruins are walkable.
Insider tip
Take time to discover the lesser-known ruins away from the main squares. A city map helps locate the earthquake relic sites.
Geography
Facts
- The primary earthquake occurred on the feast day of Saint Martha, July 29.
- The magnitude is estimated to have been around 7.5 on the Richter scale.
- Over 3,000 structures in the city were severely damaged or destroyed.
- The official decree to move the capital was issued in 1775.
- Antigua remained largely deserted for nearly a century after the evacuation.
- The preserved ruins are now part of a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Earthquake of 1773 (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What happened during the 1773 earthquake?
The Santa Marta earthquakes destroyed the then-capital, Santiago de los Caballeros (now Antigua).
What consequence did the quake have for the capital?
Spanish authorities moved the capital to what is now Guatemala City.
Can ruins from this quake still be seen today?
Yes, all of Antigua is characterized by the monumental ruins of destroyed churches and convents.
Was it the strongest earthquake in Guatemala's history?
It was one of the most consequential, as it led to the total abandonment of the capital.
How many people died?
Exact figures are missing, but infrastructure destruction caused thousands of deaths via famine and disease.
Earthquake of 1773: where is it located?
Earthquake of 1773 is located in Guatemala.
Earthquake of 1773: what is there to see?
Highlights include Iglesia de San Francisco, Antigua Guatemala, Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Antigua Guatemala, National Museum of Guatemalan Art.
Earthquake of 1773: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Earthquake of 1773: why is it worth visiting?
The Earthquake of 1773, historically known as the Santa Marta earthquakes, was a series of catastrophic seismic events that almost completely leveled Santiago de los Caballeros (now Antigua Guatemala), then the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala.
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History & landmarks
San Francisco El Grande Church
One of the largest and oldest churches in Antigua, burial place of Saint Hermano Pedro.
Convent of the Capuchins
A well-preserved convent in Antigua, known for its unique circular tower.
La Merced Church
An impressive baroque church in Antigua that withstood the 1773 earthquakes.
Palace of the Captains General
The former government headquarters of the Spanish colony in Antigua, now a cultural center.
Santa Catalina Arch
An iconic arch in Antigua, originally built to allow nuns from a convent to cross the street unseen.
Finca Filadelfia Coffee Resort
One of the oldest and most famous coffee plantations in Guatemala, near Antigua.
🗺️
La Azotea Cultural Center
A cultural center near Antigua with museums on coffee, music, and Maya traditions.
More places
Antigua Coffee Plantations
Coffee slopes around Antigua with volcanic soil and cool mountain air.
Santo Domingo Monastery
The ruins of one of the largest monasteries in Antigua, now a hotel with a museum.
Antigua Carmelite Convent
The ruins of another significant nunnery in the former capital.
Antigua City Hall Palace
The colonial city hall on Antigua's central square, now a museum.
🗺️
ChocoMuseo Antigua
A small family-friendly stop that showcases Guatemala's cacao and chocolate.
Antigua Mint
The ruins of the royal mint in Antigua, where the first coins of Central America were produced.
🗺️
Finca El Pilar
A nature and hiking area near Antigua with cloud forest, birds, and volcano views.
Hill of the Cross
A hill with a cross north of Antigua, offering a famous viewpoint of the city.