Central America
Guatemala
Sacatepequez Department
Antigua
Things to Do in Antigua
Convento Santa Clara

Convento Santa Clara, Antigua

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Convento Santa Clara

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See all things to do
Convento Santa Clara
4.5
299
#4 of 71 things to do in Antigua
Ancient Ruins
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These ruins, like so many others in the city, are the effects of several devastating earthquakes over the last 200 years.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
408 within 3 miles
El Criollo
93
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Steakhouse • Grill • Guatemalan
Wachuma
127
0.1 mi$ • Healthy • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
La Bruja
448
0.2 mi$ • Healthy • Central American • Vegetarian Friendly
Los Moros by Porta Hotel Antigua
140
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Latin • Bar • International
Pistilos Restaurant
286
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Latin • International • Spanish
Restaurante Las Antorchas
662
527 ft$$ - $$$ • International • Barbecue • Grill
Por Que No? Cafe
494
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • International • Central American
La Toscana
516
469 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
27 Adentro
133
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Latin • Fusion
Fat Cat Coffee House
196
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe
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Attractions
52 within 6 miles
Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande
536
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Casa Popenoe
105
300 ftHistoric Sites
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68
204 ftHistoric Sites
Cathedral de Santiago
437
0.2 miReligious Sites
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0.2 miHistoric Sites
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0.2 miChurches & Cathedrals
The Plaza Central Park
1,960
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
ChocoMuseo
2,387
0.3 miSpeciality Museums
Church Of The Company Of Jesus
1
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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0.2 miAncient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
299 reviews
Excellent
172
Very good
101
Average
23
Poor
2
Terrible
1
murali8121
Kochi (Cochin), India790 contributions
Santa Clara Convent, Antigua- Guatemala
Jan 2020 • Couples
Started in 1700 with just five nuns the structure was destroyed in an earthquake in 1717 when those who lived there had to move out. It was repaired by 1734 but again two earthquakes in 1774 and 1874 left it in ruins. At present a garden in the large court yard is maintained and it is really worth a visit. Entry is by tickets priced at 40 quetzals (around 5 usd). Time required is around two hours.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
George B
Aberdeen, UK1,548 contributions
Convento Santa Clara - Amazing Beautiful Ruins - Truly Amazing
Feb 2018 • Couples
Our guide Erwin took us here on our walking tour and the ruins are beautiful and full of history. Part of this is now an up market hotel and the grounds were set out for a wedding later that day. Erwin was able to bring to life what happened after the earthquake which damaged this area so long ago. You can visualize what it must have been like.
Nice to see it is now used for such a nice purpose. Well worth a visit.
Written March 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anya S
New York16 contributions
BEWARE OF THIS TOUR GUIDE
Mar 2017
Beautiful it was worth 40 q (5.00) the way they preserve the building and doing the restoration of it. We walked the area by ourselves. Then we were offered a tour which we refuse but the guide kept following us. So we figure ok Just let him be. At the end he told us the cost was $100.00. He's a thief cannot be trusted. You are better off by yourself. Usually a tour like this is only $10.00. Antigua is beautiful don't let him ruin it for you. I am posting a picture of him so you know what he looks like.
Written March 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Rob C
San Jose, CA2,115 contributions
Another Ruined Convent
Apr 2021
This is where the ABC disease sets in (another bloody convent). 40Q to get in and you'll likely be done in under 20 minutes. the courtyard is nice enough, though no different than any of the other convents, and there is a pleasant fountain. The place is being partially reconstructed so some areas do have scaffolding and men are working as you're walking around the ruins. The highlight is the Church with a reconstructed vaulted choir that's worth going up to. Best thing, there are bathrooms on site. Pleasant!
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ChowHound2015
Houston, Texas198 contributions
Beware of tour guide Marcellino!
Feb 2017 • Couples
The ruinas are impressive and extensive. Some parts partially restored or undergoing restoration. This complex is so large that you need to allow a minimum of 90 minutes to see it all. The main cathedral is massive. There are numerous underground crypts but they are closed off due to so many loser graffiti artists defacing them. We paid 90q pp for entrance fee which is way out of line compared to the other sites in Antigua. As we entered tour guide Marcellino approached us and offered to guide us. I made the mistake of not negotiating up front! Somehow I was thinking since the entrance fee was 2 to 3 times higher than the other sites that this was part of the deal. Marcellino's english was rough but understandable and he was informative. At the end of the tour he asked for 300q. Knowing that the daily minimum wage in Guatemala is about 100q I told him he was a bandit and he was actually offended! Should have called INGUAT on the spot. Anyway handed him 200q and walked away. So definitely go visit but watch your pocketbook when you do.
Written February 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jarko2015
Amsterdam, The Netherlands1,748 contributions
Interesting ruins
Nov 2016 • Solo
More ruins, with the higher price tag of Q40, but worth the effort to see. The central fountain surrounded by arches are imposing, as is the former church which is now open to the skies. Nice tranquil spot to visit.
Written November 22, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
DeanMurphy2020
Orlando, FL7,295 contributions
A city of ruins
Nov 2015 • Friends
Santa Clara Convent ruins are part of the Santo Domingo Church and Monastery complex, which consists of a ruined monastery, dating to 1538. Part of the complex has been transformed into the exquisite Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. I didn’t know Convento Santa Clara was a separate TripAdvisor-designated attraction within another. Any lover of history and architecture is sure to adore this complex.
Written February 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mrtraveler
Los Angeles, CA221 contributions
Lots to see, lots to explore
Aug 2012 • Solo
This ruin is somewhat off the beaten path which makes it great to explore and have some tranquil time away from the most busy ruins. There are a lot of places you explore within the ruin. You can sit and relax in the courtyard or walk through the many halls. There are some re-stored features that other churches don't have such as the confession rooms and some rooms that have been somewhat restored.

Overall, this ruin is different from most and you can spend a good amount of time exploring it.
Written September 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
sg421
San Salvador77 contributions
Interesting and beautiful ruins
Dec 2011
Like many places in Antigua, Convento de Santa Clara is a bit hard to see from the street and easy to miss if you are not looking specifically for it. The entrance fee is 40 Quetzales and inside the gardens are well kept and the ruins quite large (larger than the Cathedral on the main square I would say). There are quite a few rooms to walk around and interesting background information is available from guides and from the supplied map (in English).
Written December 31, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
travellergrobbendonk
Grobbendonk11 contributions
don't be naive
Nov 2011 • Couples
interesting convent, enormously big. We hired a guide which is interesting as his explanition makes the dead stones alive; we only forgot to discuss a price before we started the visit; he tried to have us pay much too much, did not succeed but still we gave him too much...but OK it's holiday !! The convent is absolutely worth a visit
Written November 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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