San Francisco Church

San Francisco Church

San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande) is located in the historic center of Antigua Guatemala at an elevation of 1,530 meters (5,020 feet) above sea level. This monumental Spanish seismic baroque complex was designed by architect Diego de Porres and officially inaugurated in 1702, though its origins date back to the 16th century. Although the structure was severely damaged by the devastating Santa Marta earthquakes of 1773 and lay in ruins for nearly two centuries, it underwent extensive reconstruction between 1961 and 1967. Today, it holds profound historical and spiritual significance as the final resting place of Santo Hermano Pedro (Saint Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur), Central America’s first canonized Catholic saint. You can find the church at 7a Calle Oriente and 1a Avenida Sur, Antigua Guatemala, with GPS coordinates 14°33′14″N 90°43′45″W. You can reach the parish office at +502 7882-4439, though they do not maintain an official website.

Visiting San Francisco Church provides a deeply moving blend of colonial history, spiritual devotion, and architectural majesty. The striking exterior features a beautifully preserved facade adorned with twisted Salomonic columns and intricate saint niches, serving as a textbook example of Spanish-American baroque design. Beyond admiring the active sanctuary and visiting the revered shrine of Hermano Pedro, you can explore an onsite museum dedicated to his life and wander through the expansive, atmospheric ruins of the former convent and cloisters. Whether you are walking through its peaceful, well-tended gardens or marveling at the contrast between the restored church and the crumbling colonial dormitories, this landmark offers one of the most culturally immersive and visually captivating experiences in the city.

Address: 7a Calle Oriente and 1a Avenida Sur, Antigua Guatemala | GPS: 14°33′14″N 90°43′45″W | Website: N/A | Phone: +502 7882-4439