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Cooperación Española: A Cultural Oasis in Antigua

Explore Spanish-Guatemalan heritage in a beautifully restored Antigua cultural center. Art, history, and culture await!

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The Cooperación Española in Antigua Guatemala is a vibrant cultural center housed in a beautifully restored colonial building, once part of the 17th-century Jesuit monastery. It showcases the strong ties between Spain and Guatemala through art exhibitions, performances, and a specialized library.

A brief summary to Cooperación Española

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Cooperación Española's website or social media for upcoming events and exhibitions to enhance your visit.
  • Take time to wander through the courtyards and gardens for a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
  • Visit the library to explore its collection of Spanish and Latin American literature.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around the historic center of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cooperación Española is located on 6a Avenida Norte, a short walk from Antigua's Parque Central. From the Parque Central, walk north on 5a Avenida Norte, then turn left onto 4a Calle Poniente. Walk one block, then turn right onto 6a Avenida Norte. The Cooperación Española will be on your left. The walk is easy and takes about 5 minutes. Antigua is best explored on foot.

  • Public Transport

    While local 'chicken buses' connect Antigua with other towns, they aren't typically used within the city center. If arriving from outside Antigua, these buses usually stop at the bus terminal or the market, from where you can take a tuk-tuk or walk to the Cooperación Española. Tuk-tuk fares from the bus station to the center should be negotiated beforehand, typically costing around Q15-Q20.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in Antigua. A short taxi ride from anywhere in the city center to the Cooperación Española should cost around Q27.50, plus Q5 per kilometer. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Tuk-tuks are a more affordable option for short distances.

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Discover more about Cooperación Española

Located in the heart of Antigua, the Cooperación Española is more than just a building; it's a living testament to the enduring cultural connections between Spain and Guatemala. Housed within the meticulously restored walls of what was once the Colegio de la Compañía de Jesús, founded in 1582, this cultural center offers a rich blend of history, art, and education. Originally a Jesuit school, the building played a vital role in Antigua's intellectual life, teaching philosophy, rhetoric and philology until the Jesuit order's expulsion in 1767. The devastating earthquakes of 1773 and subsequent decades saw the building repurposed as a textile factory, school and market, before being partially destroyed in the 1976 earthquake. Recognizing its historical significance, the Spanish Agency for International Development (AECID) undertook a restoration project in 1992, transforming it into the vibrant cultural hub it is today. Today, the Cooperación Española hosts a diverse array of cultural activities, including art exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and workshops. Its library boasts a rich collection of Spanish and Latin American literature, making it a valuable resource for researchers and culture enthusiasts alike. The center also actively engages with the local community through educational programs and training projects. With its serene courtyards, grand arches, and lush gardens, the Cooperación Española provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The center is open to the public and admission to exhibitions is generally free. Visiting the Cooperación Española offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural dialogue between Spain and Guatemala, while exploring a significant piece of Antigua's architectural and intellectual history.

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