Perhaps you’ve wondered about this old stone fountain. This is Fuente del Calvario placed in 1680. It sits at the end of the Alameda del Calvario.
Fuente del Calvario marks the beginning of a sacred journey. It is linked to the Via Crucis. This path echoes the steps of Jesus. The path leads to El Calvario Church.
El Calvario Church’s construction was slow. Resources were scarce. Franciscan friars collected materials. They raised funds to build the temple. Construction finished in 1655.
The tradition says the distance between San Francisco Temple and El Calvario is significant. It mirrors the distance between the Praetorium and Mount Calvary. These were the steps Jesus took on his way to crucifixion.
El Calvario Church has a triple portico. It represents the Holy Trinity. Inside, the church has a single nave. Small chapels line the sides. Sculptures and paintings adorn the interior. Antonio Montúfar and Tomás de Merlo created them.
The street leading to the church has small chapels. They mark the Stations of the Cross. Holy Week celebrations culminate here. El Calvario Church is the last station.
Brother Pedro contributed to raising funds for El Calvario. He was one of the Franciscans involved. In the church, the main altar holds a crucified Christ. Documents inside reveal the carving date and artist.
An Esquisúchil tree grows in the church’s garden. Holy Brother Pedro planted it. This tree was declared Cultural Patrimony of the Nation in 2004. It has aromatic flowers. People believe it has curative powers.
El Calvario needed repairs by 1717 because of earthquakes. Captain General Rodríguez de Rivas ordered its reconstruction. The new church was inaugurated on February 11, 1720. Montúfar’s paintings were placed in 1657. Tomás de Merlo’s were installed in 1737.
The 1773 earthquakes damaged the church again. It was not completely destroyed. It has been used intermittently since the 19th century.
Fuente del Calvario stands as a quiet witness. It has witnessed centuries of faith. It reminds us of Antigua’s rich history. Take a moment to appreciate its simple beauty. Consider the stories it could tell.