Built in the 17th century, it originally connected the Santa Catalina convent to a school, allowing the cloistered nuns to pass from one building to the other without going out on the street. A clock on top was added in the era of the Central American Federation, in the 1830s.

Discover the Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua, Guatemala. Explore its fascinating history, learn the best photo spots, and uncover practical tips for visiting this iconic landmark.

Discover the Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua Guatemala—its history, top photo spots, nearby attractions, and how to get there.

Construite au XVIIe siècle, elle reliait à l'origine le couvent de Santa Catalina à une école, permettant aux religieuses cloîtrées de passer d'un bâtiment à l'autre sans avoir à sortir dans la rue.

El Arco de Santa Catalina es uno de los lugares más reconocidos de la ciudad de Antigua Guatemala. Es visitado anualmente por miles de turistas que acuden a la ciudad que ha sido declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO.

The iconic Santa Catalina Arch is one of the most photographed landmarks in all Latin America. Built in the late 17th century, the Arch enabled the cloistered nuns living in the Convent of Santa Catalina Martir to travel between their two buildings.

The Arco de Santa Catalina is Antigua Guatemala’s most iconic landmark—a striking yellow architectural arch topped with a clock tower that beautifully frames the city’s bustling Fifth Avenue North with the imposing Volcán de Agua in the background.

In order for the nuns to go incognito, the idea of a footbridge was proposed, and Santa Catalina Arch was built to join the school and the convent. Within the arch is a hidden passageway enabling the nuns to cross the street without being seen—something you would never guess if you stood below it.

Discover the Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua Guatemala's most famous landmark. Learn about its history, best photo spots, and nearby attractions for your trip.

Curiosité : il a été construit entre deux couvents, le Convento de la Virgen et le Convento de Santa Catalina, dans le but de servir de pont aux religieuses qui y étaient enfermées, car elles devaient éviter tout contact avec le monde extérieur lorsqu’elles prononçaient leurs vœux.