Antigua Guatemala’s restoration efforts add to the magical character of this remarkable city. The city is dotted with more than 30 colonial churches once in use before the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1774. Over the centuries, these have fallen into majestic ruins. Many of them have been renovated for use for fun events and for visitors while work continues on others today.

Much of my restoration training came from Guatemala’s finest art historians, architects, engineers and archeologists while working with the National Council for the Protection of Antigua in the 80s and 90s. We had a great team in charge of restoring the monuments and preserving the city. The CNPAG – set up by Guatemalan law in 1969 – remains in charge of monuments, building permits and the restoration of colonial art. Antigua became a living workshop for experts to visit from all over the world! My UNESCO training in Rome and Havana added to my love to preserve Antigua.

Enhanced by countless lectures and seminars over the decades, keeping up with new historical findings is my passion. Over the years, our team has dedicated itself to countless efforts to save Antigua and create a magical city through different groups and foundations.

On my Cultural Walking Tour, we see the hands-on efforts of the restoration efforts at the ruined Cathedral – carried out by the Patrons of the Cathedral – and interact with those in charge of the project. We also view the fabulous restoration project at La Concepcion Church carried out by the CNPAG. Fixing century old cracks with high-tech work mixed with ancient building techniques will save this 16th century ruined church from future decay. As part of “Salvemos Antigua” (Let’s Save Antigua), our team monitors much of the work carried out by various organizations in town. We love our city and preserve it with love and dedication.