Parque Central or Central Park is the starting point for most of tourist tours around Antigua. It is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings. It is a favorite location for visitors and residents alike. Center of Parque Central is held by the Fountain of the Sirens. It was constructed in the middle of the 20th century. It is an exact copy of an original fountain that dates back to 1737.
It is believed that it was in 1541 that the engineer Juan
Bautista Antonelli made this space with the aim of being the center
of social life at that time and with a Spanish colonial design.
It was known from its beginnings as Plaza Mayor, which denotes
its importance compared to the rest of the squares. It is also known
as Plaza Real because official acts were celebrated and announced
here, as well as public punishments and executions by hanging.
The angles of the square are made up: To the North, by the
Portal de Cadenas and the Palace of the Noble Town Hall, to the East
by the Episcopal Palace and the Cathedral of Santiago, to the South
by the Real Palacio de los Capitanes, to the West by the Portal from
Mercaderes or Panaderas, to the Center is the fountain of the
Mermaids, built in 1739 by Diego de Porres. In addition, the square
has Equisuchil trees that were planted several decades ago.
Interesting facts about the Plaza Mayor
The name Parque Central
was a 20th century designation when the local government transformed
the plaza into a garden setting, reminiscent of those found in
Europe.
In its beginnings the park had statues of Greek goddesses
placed everywhere, however, they were removed years later.
In the
post-colonial era, the square served as a market and the main bus
terminal.
In the Central Park there is a plaque in honor of
Quirio Cataño, one of the greatest sculptors of religious imagery in
the city. This plaque is located in the southwest corner of the
park.
Currently, the Plaza Mayor is one of the most visited
tourist attractions in Antigua Guatemala.