Tikal is one the famous archeological site located in Guatemala. It is one of the largest sites and urban centers of the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Tikal is a part of Guatemala's Tikal National Park which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. The place has a rich historical past that makes it an important archeological treasure. It was the capital of one of the most powerful kingdoms of ancient Maya. The monumental architecture of Tikal dates back to 4th century BC but it reached its zenith during the classical period. At this point of time, it dominated the Maya region politically, militarily and economically. The reminiscences of its rich historical past can still be found in the many ruins and architectural structures of the place. The remoteness and jungle setting is also something that makes it popular amongst the visitors and tourists from all over the world. The breath taking ruins and impressive buildings attracts many archaeologists and historians. The famous jaguar temple of Tikal offers an outstanding view peeping through the canopy of trees. Other temples present here offer a panoramic view of the place if climbed on the top of them. The canopy of trees not only looks aesthetically beautiful but also offers shade to the visitors trekking along the site. You can also witness some of the exotic and rare species of birds while you take a walk in the morning. Some of the species that you can encounter are Coatimundis, Jaguars, howler monkeys, Toucans and spider monkeys.
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El Mirador is a thumping great Mayan settlement. The pre-Columbian settlement is situated in Guatemala. It was explored in 1926 and the first aerial picture was clicked in 1930. The constructions treasured by the place are enormous. El Mirador thrived in the 6th century BCE. It profusely prospered during 3rd century BCE and the trend continued in 1st century CE. The construction work however came to halt in between many times and it took impetuous speed in the Classic era and then again came to stop in the 9th century. The civic center of the site spreads across 26 km2 with multifarious structures. There is also up to snuff and astounding monumental architecture that stands 10 to 30 meters tall. There are plethoras of structures that have whopping and artificial platforms such as El Tigre and La Danta. The La Danta temple is 230 ft tall and is counted as the world’s largest pyramid. All most every structure in the place has stones cut and shaped, and then adorned with beautiful and sizeable masks that presented various deities worshipped on the Maya civilization. Many archaeologists say a solid urban planning was done before the foundation of the city was laid. There are causeways and paths making for an intelligent interlinking with various architectural compounds and various ancient cities slumping in the Mirador Basin. These causeways were also referred as sacbeobs. Some structures were also contrived in Late Classic period that is 700 CE. But the structures constructed during this period are not higher than 8 meters.
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Santa Catalina Arch is one of the remarkable landmarks located in 5th Avenue North in Antigua Guatemala. This amazing architecture is one of the most popular cultural and historical artifacts of the Antigua city. Antigua is well known all over the world for its baroque style architecture and some spectacular ruins of colonial churches. Due to this, it is placed in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Santa Catalina Arch built in 17th century is originally connected to the Santa Catalina convent allowing the nuns to move conveniently from one building to another without going out in the streets. Santa Catalina Arch popularity as a masterpiece can be recognized from the fact that another structure in Guatemala City known as Guatemala Post Office Building is based on its design. The arch is technically owned by the Guatemala government but it is actually run by the members of Santos family including Edgar Santos, Oscar Santos, and many others. Convents of virgin and martyr Santa Catalina exists on both sides of the arch. Due to this, the novices (nuns) are spared any contact with the outsiders and outside world. The purpose to build this arc was to build a cross over for the nuns but soon it was started to count amongst the popular architectural artifacts of the city. Today, the street that it goes over to is popularly known as ‘Calle del Arco’. It creates a remarkable sight for the art lovers inspiring many painters and artists to capture the beautiful arc and its encompassing street.
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