Santa Catalina Arch, Colonial bridge in Antigua, Guatemala
Santa Catalina Arch crosses over Fifth Avenue North with a span of 23 meters, painted in pale yellow with white decorative trim. A clock tower rises from the center of this passageway, creating an unmistakable landmark in the street layout.
Built in 1694, the arch was designed to provide nuns from the nearby convent with a private crossing over the avenue. A French clock mechanism was added in the 1830s, becoming an important timekeeper for the city.
The arch serves as a focal point where visitors and residents naturally gather and pass through daily. Walking under its gateway, you can observe local life unfolding around the nearby shops and cafes.
The arch is centrally located in Antigua's old quarter and serves as a clear navigation landmark. Shops and restaurants nearby make it easy to find and a convenient base for exploring the surrounding streets.
The clock mechanism requires manual winding every three days to keep accurate time, a hands-on practice maintained for nearly two centuries. This daily care adds a personal touch to the landmark, connecting past routines to the present.
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