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It is a clear case of life springing from ruins: Naidu at Antigua Guatemala city

Old Guatemala witnessed series of earthquakes since 1565 and was destroyed by earthquake Santa Marta in 1773 forcing the shifting of capital to the present Guatamela City.

It is a clear case of life springing from ruins: Naidu at Antigua Guatemala city

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu at the Museum Colonial Art of Antigua, on his visit to Antigua City, in Guatemala on May 08, 2018. The Mayor of Antigua City, Mrs. Susana Heidi Asencio Lueg, the Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor and other dignitaries are also seen. (Photo: PIB)

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visited the historic Antigua (old) Guatemala city on Wednesday for understanding how it’s rich heritage is being maintained since it was declared as a World Heritage City by the UNESCO in 1979.

Naidu discussed at length the conservation measures with the Mayor of the city Susana Heidi Asencio Lueg and concerned officials.

Impressed by the city’s heritage dating to sixteenth century and it’s preservation after devastating earthquakes, Naidu said “It is a clear case of life springing from ruins”.

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Antigua Guatemala was the third capital built by the Spanish rulers since their invasion of Guatemala in 1524. The first two capitals had to be abandoned by 1541 on account of resistance from the local warriors and natural calamities respectively.

Old Guatemala witnessed series of earthquakes since 1565 and was destroyed by earthquake Santa Marta in 1773 forcing the shifting of capital to the present Guatamela City.

Those who stayed back and others who returned started reconstruction of Old Guatemala, restoring most of its monuments. UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage City in 1979.

Addressing the Municipal Council of Antigua Guatemala, Naidu referred to the ancient Mayan civilisation of Guatemala and the Indus civilisation of India and stressed on the need to preserve the rich cultural roots which would in turn guide the present and future generations.

Naidu referred to Ahmedabad also being declared as a World Heritage City and noted that ‘twinning’ of the two heritage cities would benefit both.

The Vice President visited the historic monuments including San Jose Cathedral, Museum of Colonial Art, King’s Palace, a renovated ruined property being run as a hotel.

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