Antigua is a city located in South-central Guatemala. Antigua was founded in 1542 by the survivors of an earthquake and flood that destroyed Ciudad Vieja. By the 17th century Antigua was one of the richest capitals in the new world, along with Lima and Mexico City. Antigua was also an important intellectual and artistic center during this time. Three volcanoes surround Antigua, Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego, thus subjecting Antigua to earthquakes and the chance of an eruption. In 1773 an earthquake leveled Antigua. Antigua is a major tourist center and coffee-growing regions. Points of interest in Antigua include the Cathedral of San Francisco and La Merced Church. The estimated population of Antigua is 31,800.
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