Iglesia Yurrita

The basics

Iglesia Yurrita was built as a private Catholic chapel for the Yurrita family in 1941. Because of its uncommon mix of architectural styles, including noe-Gothic and baroque, the church is included on many Guatemala City sightseeing tours. Walking and bike tours of the city often stop outside, and may include other nearby Zone 4 attractions like Torre del Reformador or Popol Vuh Museum. Though you can visit on your own, a guided tour will give you more insight into the church’s fascinating history.

Things to know before you go

• Plan to spend about 15 minutes visiting Iglesia Yurrita.

• There is limited parking available on-site.

• Because there are stairs leading to the entrance, the church is not wheelchair accessible.

How to get there

Iglesia Yurrita is located in lively Zone 4, about a 15-minute drive or 35-minute walk from the Zone 1 historic district. It’s easily accessible by public transit, roughly a 5-minute walk from the Transmetro station Torre del Reformador or the Plaza de la República. You can also get there by taxi.

When to get there

You can visit the outside of the church at any time. But because the church has sporadic opening hours, your best bet for going inside is to visit on a Sunday during Mass. Be respectful of people who are there to worship—try not to be disruptive during the service and wait to take photos until after services are over.

Fulfilling a promise to the Virgin of Angustias

Legend has it that Felipe Yurrita and his family built the chapel following the 1902 Santa Maria volcano eruption. Yurrita first built an altar for the Virgin of Angustias and promised that if he and his family were spared from the eruption, he would build a church so anyone could pray to the Virgin.