Casa Santo Domingo
The ruins of what was once the grandest convent in the Americas has been converted into a hotel/museum and before we left Antigua, we spent a morning exploring it. We entered from the parking lot through a long underground tunnel that had display cases in the wall containing Mayan artifacts. When emerged from the tunnel we found ourselves surrounded by ruins that have been incorporated into a modern hotel, restaurants, shops, museum, chapel, and archaeological site - all seamlessly working together.
This is the chapel that is often used for weddings. The curtain behind the altar is covering an elaborately carved altarpiece.
Hanging from the overhead beams of this covered walkway were delicate clusters of orchids.
Areas of the ruins have been added to or converted into galleries displaying collections of Mayan artifacts, Spanish silver, early Guatemalan religious art, as well as contemporary art. One fascinating exhibit paired artifacts with pieces of contemporary fine art and crafts from around the world. I was delighted to encountered a glass sculpture by Dan Dailey whose studio in New Hampshire I had a chance to visit last year! (Dailey is the artist who created the fabulous chandelier in the Providence Performing Arts Center.)
The theme of the old and new was carried out elsewhere on the grounds. Here is a metal and glass sculpture that caught Charlotte's attention.
We next flew to Flores, Guatemala, to visit Tikal. Stay tuned for the next post.
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