Casa Popeone, Antigua

Casa Popeone, Antigua

Casa Popenoe is a historically significant colonial residence located in Antigua. Built originally in 1632 by Luis de las Infantas Mendoza, a judge for the royal court, this house exemplifies the grandeur of the era intended for the Spanish elite. Despite its construction in the 17th century, there is a conflicting record that attributes the building of the house in 1762 to Venancia López, suggesting modifications or reconstructions over the centuries.

Throughout its history, Casa Popenoe has experienced multiple changes in ownership and purpose. After surviving partial destruction due to an 18th-century earthquake, the house was extensively restored in the early 20th century by Wilson and Dorothy Popenoe, who acquired it in 1929. Their restoration efforts transformed it into a showcase of cultural and historical significance.

Today, Casa Popenoe is no longer a private residence but a public museum managed by Universidad Francisco Marroquín (UFM) since 2007, when the Popenoe family donated it. The house serves as a vibrant testament to both the Spanish-Guatemalan period from the 16th to the early 19th centuries and the broader history of Antigua Guatemala. It houses a rich collection of over 2,300 volumes spanning subjects like botany, agriculture, and the history of Guatemala, along with an array of historical artifacts including furniture, paintings, sculptures, and silverware.

Visitors can also enjoy the meticulously maintained gardens, which are home to sixty-one species of plants, offering a lush, green insight into the botanical interests of the Popenoe family. Casa Popenoe stands today not just as a historical relic but as an educational resource that offers deep insights into the cultural and historical fabric of colonial Central America.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Antigua. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Casa Popeone on Map

Sight Name: Casa Popeone
Sight Location: Antigua, Guatemala (See walking tours in Antigua)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Antigua, Guatemala

Create Your Own Walk in Antigua

Create Your Own Walk in Antigua

Creating your own self-guided walk in Antigua is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Antigua Introduction Walking Tour

Antigua Introduction Walking Tour

Antigua, Guatemala, which is sometimes known as La Antigua, dates back to 1543. This city was the third capital of the Spanish colony. Surrounded by volcanoes, the city of Antigua is a small yet very picturesque example of Spanish colonial architecture. Jesuit and Franciscan orders have had a presence in this region since the 17th century, contributing to its rich colonial religious life.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Ancient Ruins of Antigua

Ancient Ruins of Antigua

In places like Antigua Guatemala, it feels as if a time machine has already been invented. This glorious ancient town breathes history in all its streets, houses, fountains, and courtyards, but above all the great ruins, which are impossible to miss against the impressive backdrop of Agua Volcano. The latter is responsible for these ruins in the first place, having caused a series of earthquakes...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Antigua Museums

Antigua Museums

A combination of Spanish colonialism and Mayan culture has given rise to a wealth of heritage in Guatemala. The evidence of this is particularly visible in Antigua, a small town yet fascinating place to visit in Latin America. The local museums are well worth exploring for anyone wishing to learn about the country's history in general and some of its aspects in particular.

The Casa Santo...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles