antigua

Antigua most commonly refers to Antigua, the main island of Antigua and Barbuda, a sovereign country in the Caribbean. Located in the Leeward Islands, it lies northeast of Venezuela and southeast of Puerto Rico. The island covers about 281 square kilometers and is home to the capital, Saint John’s. English is the official language; the currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar. Antigua and Barbuda is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, with a prime minister as head of government and a monarch as head of state. Tourism is a major sector, supported by extensive beaches, marine attractions, and historic harbours such as English Harbour. The population of the country is around 100,000, with most residents living on Antigua.

Antigua Guatemala, commonly just Antigua, is a city in the Guatemalan highlands, near the country’s capital, Guatemala City. It served as the capital of the Viceroyalty of New Spain's Captaincy General of Guatemala from its founding in the 16th century until 1773, when earthquakes and relocation moved the seat to Guatemala City. The city is renowned for its well-preserved Baroque architecture and colonial churches; it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Famous sights include the Santa Catalina Arch and the baroque churches around the central Plaza Central. Antigua Guatemala sits at about 1,500 meters above sea level, giving it a mild climate that supports tourism, crafts, and nearby coffee production.

Origin of the name: Antigua derives from the Spanish antiguo, meaning ancient or old; the feminine form antigua is used for places named Antigua, as in both the Caribbean island and the Guatemalan city.