Palace of the Captains

Even though it was modified several times over the years, it is still a portentous construction. It was built during the 16th Century with arches along the front part of the Central Park, and it was for 200 years the residence of the Viceroy, headquarters for the government of Central America during its time.

It occupies a whole block, and according to historic records, it was one of the greatest constructions done in America during that time.

It gathered in its nearly 20,000 square feet the House of Justice and High Court, the Provincial Office, the High Post, the House of Coinage, the Accountancy, the Hearing Offices, the Weapons Room, a Royal Chapel, the Royal Seal Office, as well as the stables and rooms for the servants.

The beginning of a new history

The monument and building in La Antigua Guatemala are silent witnesses of history. This phrase hides a deep meaning, since there are many persons that have walked through the halls without knowing the importance of the facts that once occurred under its roofs.

You can say, without any doubt that the size and elegance of the Palace of Captains was worth of the history that was later written, even one phase of Colony ended in this building.

Location in La Antigua Guatemala Click here and go to the interactive map.

Friendly assistance

Nowadays the building houses the police offices, as well as the tourist assistance offices from the Guatemalan Tourism Institute, INGUAT.

Frequently local or foreign tourists come up to the authorities to solve their doubts. That is why the INGUAT’s office provides free maps, multilingual assistance, brochures, suggested tours and personnel to assist them.

In fact in this facility you can take a free bus that will take you for a small tourist tour.

This one leaves every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9:00 to 12:00 a.m.