Antigua is a mixture of what is Old & New. The cobblestone streets give the city an appeal all its own. The city has a rich history of devastation, but has learned to survive.  It was the most important & booming city in Central America. Then in 1717 & again in 1773 earthquakes destroyed a large part of the city & the capital was then moved to what is now Guatemala City. Around every corner is a historical church or building that was damaged in the earthquakes and left as historical markers of the past. Many buildings have been restored into thriving stores as well as chain restaurants such as McDonald’s, Domino’s, & Burger King. The city is known to be one of the safest in Guatemala because it is so popular with tourist!