Exploring a Ruined and Abandoned Guatemalan Church

Ruinas Senora de los Dolores del Cerro

Prior to traveling to any new destination, I do a ton of research. That includes reading guidebooks, looking at travel websites, etc.  One of my favorite resources is Google Maps, which allows you to view an area from above.  That’s how I spotted the Ruinas Senora de los Dolores del Cerro in Antigua, Guatemala.

Antigua is filled with ruined churches.  Some are closed off and you must pay a fee to enter.  Others are completely off-limits, perhaps on private property or maybe too dangerous to visit.  I couldn’t find much about the Ruinas Dolores del Cerro, other than spotting them from above on satellite view.  I saw the ruins were close to the path I’d take when walking to the Cerro de la Cruz, so I decided to detour to the ruins and check them out.

As I climbed toward the ruins, I could see the church sitting on a hill surrounded by pine trees.  It did not appear that it was a site that was being carefully maintained or staffed.  It was enclosed by a ring of barbed wire, but I could see a way through.  Throwing caution to the wind, I snuck under the wire and entered the ruins.

Ruinas Senora de los Dolores del Cerro

From what little information I can find, the church was constructed in 1710 to house a carved cedar religious figure.  The church faces south towards the Volcano, instead of facing west like many local churches.  The facade contains images of the Apostles, and there are angels and cherubs decorating the interior.  The church was destroyed in the earthquake of 1773 and left in ruins.  The front wall still stands, as well as the back.  Some columns still stand.  Large blocks of ruined stone and mortar litter the site.

Ruinas Senora de los Dolores del Cerro

In the back, some of the ceiling still stands.  This photo was taken pointing up, and shows the masonry work with what look like cherubs supporting the ceiling:

Ruinas Senora de los Dolores del Cerro

The faces of the decorative cherubs have been removed whether or purpose or by vandalism, I do not know:

Ruinas Senora de los Dolores del Cerro

The inside of the main facade is not in as good of shape as the exterior:

Ruinas Senora de los Dolores del Cerro

Ruinas Senora de los Dolores del Cerro

I ended up visiting several ruined churches during my time in Antigua.  This was one of my favorite.  It’s certainly a little more out-of-the-way, but being totally abandoned and quiet gave it a different feel than the others.

Related posts:

A Ruined Hacienda and Pico de Orizaba The Church in the Clouds The Church of San Francisco Acatepec Anatomy of a Church Photo