Holy Cross Cathedral, Santa Cruz del Quiché

The Holy Cross Cathedral is a colonial-era religious building that rises from the city's central plaza with its stone façade and prominent clock tower. It serves as the administrative center of the Quiché diocese and welcomes visitors for religious ceremonies and throughout the year.

The building was constructed in 1768 on a site transformed after Spanish conquest. Builders used stones from the remains of the nearby Maya city, literally merging the old and new eras in its structure.

The cathedral hosts large processions during Holy Week each year, where local worshippers combine Catholic traditions with indigenous practices. These celebrations show how Spanish and K'iche' customs have merged within the community.

The site is typically accessible daily to visitors, especially when no liturgical ceremonies are taking place. It is advisable to walk quietly and observe to respect the worshipping community.

The building's walls partly consist of stones taken from the nearby Maya site of Q'umarkaj. These original blocks still show traces of their earlier use and stand as reminders of the location's layered past.

Location: Santa Cruz del Quiché

GPS coordinates: 15.02981,-91.14881

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:45