Castles & palaces
Palace of the Captain Generals
Palace of the Captain Generals
Located on the central square of Antigua Guatemala, this historic building served as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial period. Today, it houses the National Art Museum of Guatemala. Travelers visit this site to view colonial architecture and explore the national art collections housed within its walls.
Getting There
The palace is situated in the heart of the city center. Since it is located directly on the main square, it is accessible by foot from almost any central hotel or plaza within a few minutes' walk.
Duration of Visit
A visit typically requires between 1 and 2 hours, depending on whether you are focusing on the exterior architecture or spending time inside the museum galleries.
When to Visit
The site is most accessible during daylight hours. Like most central landmarks in Antigua, it can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the largest groups of tourists, visiting during weekday mornings is recommended.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, the palace can be easily combined with other nearby historic sites:
- National Museum of Guatemalan Art: 0.1km
- Antigua Guatemala Cathedral: 0.1km
- Church and Convent of Society of Jesus: 0.3km
- San Francisco Church: 0.5km
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors