Lake Atitlan Churches

Lake Atitlan Churches, from ancient ruins to churches, there is no question that Guatemala has some of the most beautiful and historical architecture that impart stories of the rich history of the area.

Lake Atitlan Churches

Panajachel is a village located on the northeast shore of Lake Atitlan and is the center for tourism and is considered the gateway to the lake.  It is home to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, a striking 16th-century building that is dedicated to the town’s patron saint.

The Catholic Church was built during the time of the Spanish conquest of Guatemala by the religious order of Franciscans.

The architecture of this church is beautiful complete with a stunning exterior, two exterior bells and, and a metal cross at the top.

The church is located near the main market on Calle Principal. Panajachel is a 3 hour trip from Guatemala City or a 2.5 hour trip from Antigua.  Shuttles regularly run between the cities.

Santa Catarina Palopo is a small authentic Mayan village with a traditional Kaqchikel culture.  A colonial Catholic Church is located in the center of Santa Catarina.

Within the Church is a statue of Santa Catarina herself.  The square in front of the Church hosts festivals and community events as well as one of the most beautiful Semana Santa ceremonies in the area.

For more information on Semana Santa Tours around Lake Atitlan go to the following link http://growyourowncure.org/semana-santa-in-lake-atitlan/.

San Antonio Palopo has an amazing Catholic Church that overlooks Lake Atitlan.  As you arrive in the town of San Antonio Palopo take the road to your left and this will bring you directly in front of the church.

From the front steps of the church, you have views of the three volcanoes that surround Lake Atitlan, San Pedro Volcano, Atitlan Volcano, and Toliman Volcano.

The inside of the church is beautiful with carved statues, ornate wood, and a beautiful pulpit.  Like Santa Catarina Palopo, San Antonio has an incredible Semana Santa ceremony on Good Friday.

Lake Atitlan Churches

The Church of St. Peter is located in San Pedro La Laguna.  The town of San Pedro sits on the southwestern shores of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala under the watchful gaze of Volcano San Pedro.

The Catholic Church has a European-style with two crosses, one adorning the roof while the other is located in a window above the front entrance.

There is a beautiful park filled with colorful and fragrant flowers, trees, shrubs, intricate metal benches, lamp posts, and complete with a towering statue of St. Peter holding the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven and overlooking the village.

Lake Atitlan Churches

San Juan La Laguna is a small town on the western shore of Lake Atitlán, home to a large indigenous population of Tz´utujil people.

The Catholic Church in San Juan is a juxtaposition of the old and the new church.  The interior of the church is absolutely stunning complete with intricate stained glass windows, a stunning pulpit, and statues located throughout.

The new portion of the church has been recently completed and it is simply amazing.

 

The most striking building in the village of Santiago is the large Catholic Church dedicated to Saint James the Apostle and dates back as far as 1571.  The construction of the church began in 1571 and was completed in 1582.  It has weathered its share of earthquakes and tropical storms and has been rebuilt and restored multiple times.

The inside of the church has a lot of wooden carvings of saints, an interesting pulpit, and marble plaques.  We can’t mention Santiago without mentioning Maximón, or San Simón as the Spanish called him.  Maximon is a combination of Catholic saint and Mayan deities.

A shrine to Maximon is hosted in a private family home and moves from one house to another yearly.  When arriving in Santiago at the boat docks there will be kids more than willing to take to you to see Maximon for a small fee.