A Tour of Guatemala City's Architectural Landmarks

The Mapa en Relive is one of Guatemala City’s most famous and unique landmarks. This huge open-air topographical map is at an astonishing 1:10,000 scale, with overstated volcanic peaks that are even steeper than they are in real life. An accurate 3D replica of Guatemala’s unusually varied landscape, it depicts the jungles, volcanoes and lakes that this country is known for. It’s even more impressive when you consider it was built more than 100 years ago, without the use of modern technology.

The Metropolitan Cathedral is located in the heart of the capital and is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Also known as the Cathedral of Guatemala City, the spectacular interior design beautifully showcases the very best of colonial art and architecture. The layout of the cathedral is in the form of a cross, and at the entrance of the cathedral are 12 pillars – a tribute to the deaths and disappearances of thousands of locals during the Guatemalan Civil War of the 1960s. There are also 14 paintings by famous 17th-century Mexican artist Pedro Ramirez inside.

This striking yellow church is based upon the original La Merced church in Antigua – inside there are even gold-plated Baroque altars that were taken from the original building. The church has a strange history; built in 1918 in a neoclassical style, for a period it was the headquarters for the Guatemalan police force. These days the church is a museum that houses many elaborate paintings, religious statues and intricate sculptures from the 17th and 19th centuries. A must-visit for architecture enthusiasts – don’t forget your camera!