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The Colegio Compañia de Jesús, also known as the Church and Convent of the Society of Jesus, has a rich historical background that dates back to the 17th century. 1607 to be precise. Today, visitors can view the remnants of the Colegio Compañia de Jesús and witness the architectural beauty that remains.
“A scenic ruin of the Jesuit church located next to a still-functioning Jesuit school and a Jesuit museum. The church is free to look at but the entrance is barred, probably due to safety issues inside, it is a ruin after all. Interestingly the church stands on the site of a house where the famous soldier-writer Bernal Diaz used to live. A very pretty facade once covered by colorful frescoes is worth a look.” -Robert Chomicz
“There are very interesting exhibitions, in addition to the library service. If it’s closed, you can bring a book of your choice, since they let you use the space, so that you can enjoy reading without interruption.” -Anna Rosa Hernandez
The structure, La Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús, that is found in present day Antigua is not the original church that was originally built by the two Jesuit priests in 1607, over the course of twenty years. It’s not even the second. It’s actually the third church erected after the earthquake of 1695, in what would later become a massive complex, covering one city block, that would include the church, monastery, school, and other structures for prayer and religious pursuits.
Functioning as the Colegio de San Lucas de la Compañía de Jesús from 1608 to 1767, it attracted notable individuals like historian poet Francisco Antonio Fuentes y Guzmán and poet Rafael Landivar, focusing on subjects like philosophy, grammar, and rhetoric. However, anti-Jesuit sentiment boiling in Spain would soon seal the fate of the school.
In June 1767, King Charles III ordered the property seized and all Jesuits expunged from the colonies. It was and they were. Subsequent attempts to find a new purpose for the complex failed and the property remained largely vacant before, during, and after the earthquake of 1773. It would later be used as a textile factory in 1865 and the public market in 1912, before suffering extensive damage in the earthquake of 1976. Recognized for its historical significance, it became a World Heritage Site in 1979.
Please note that many of the entrance fees for landmarks, parks, and museums are subsidized by the government for Guatemalan citizens. You may notice a price difference for foreigners.
