Antigua, the capital of the Captaincy-General of Guatemala, was founded in the early 16th century. Built 1,500 m above sea-level, in an earthquake-prone region, it was largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1773 but its principal monuments are still preserved as ruins. In the space of under three centuries the city, which was built on a grid pattern inspired by the Italian Renaissance, acquired a number of superb monuments.Antigua is a charming city in the high plains of Guatemala, about 45 minutes from the country's capital, Guatemala City. Antigua is probably best known for three things: the beautiful Spanish-style architecture and cobblestone streets built in the 16th century and preserved by law to this day, the many ruined churches and monastaries, casualties of the 1773 earthquake, and the majestic volcanoes looming on all sides. Antigua is popular with tourists at all times of year and is full of great restaurants, hotels built in the same Spanish style with heavenly, flowered courtyards, and dozens of Spanish-language schools.