Spanish courses in Antigua

About Antigua

Antigua Guatemala, founded in 1543, was the seat of Spanish colonial government for the Kingdom of Guatemala, which included Chiapas (southern Mexico), Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The city grew into the most important city in Central America, filled with monumental buildings of ornate Spanish colonial architecture. By 1773, in addition to the cathedral and government palace the city could boast of over 30 churches, 18 convents and monasteries, 15 hermitages, 10 chapels, the University of San Carlos, five hospitals, an orphanage, fountains and parks, and municipal water and sewer systems. It was the “the most noble and loyal city of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala", as it was titled by royal decree. Antigua Guatemala sits 1530 meters above sea level and was third (after Mexico City and Lima, Peru) in importance and splendor in the Americas, until it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1773. La Antigua Guatemala is famous for its jade factories, where beautiful pieces can be found. It is also known for its ceramics: the beautiful hand-painted birds and butterflies come from La Antigua. The woodwork from La Antigua is well known, as is its typical candy. There are several schools for intensive Spanish study, with a choice of study plans that range from one week of 4 hours per day to four weeks of 7 hours of intensive daily classes. Some of these plans include lodging for the student with a Guatemalan family. Only 4 miles from La Antigua, you will find Ciudad Vieja. Ciudad Vieja is the site where the second capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala was founded (see chapter on History). In 1541, it was destroyed by volcanic eruptions that engulfed the town. The original church was excavated intact. The remains of the Governor's Palace (1527) are behind the school. The third story is exposed, but the first two floors are still buried.

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Reasons to learn Spanish in Antigua

• Population: 68,000 thousand
• Location: Antigua is located in the south central region of Guatemala close to the capital Guatemala city.
• Antigua, known as the "old city of Guatemala," was founded in 1543. A beautiful city, streets lined with cobblestones and an abundance of authentic colonial buildings, it has been given the rare World Heritage title by UNESCO preserving the charming and unique atmosphere.
• The relaxed environment of Antiqua offers court cafes with flourishing gardens and fountains, very affordable high class international cuisine or delicious local food as well as lively nightlife at the many bars, salsa clubs and discoteques.
• Surrounded by majestic volcanoes and green-clad mountains that border the highlands of Guatemala, Antigua is also an excellent base to travel from if you want to see more of the country. It is also one of the most popular cities to study Spanish in all of Latin America.

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The Spanish School in Antigua

Students in class

Antigua ruins

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