Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala — Central America (Central Highlands)

Pedro Cortés y Larraz

Pedro Cortes y Larraz Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 8, 2015

1. Pedro Cortes y Larraz Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Ilmo. Sr. D.
Pedro Cortes y Larraz
Natural de Belchite, Aragon.
Tercer Arzobispo de Guatemala:
- 1769 – 1779 –
Se opuso con entereza
A la traslacion de la capital.
Fue modelo de caridad cristiana.
Homenaje del Comite del
2o Centenario del Arzobispado.
- 1743 – 1943 –

English translation:
The esteemed Pedro Cortes y Larraz
Born in Belchite, Aragon, Spain.
Third Archbishop of Guatemala
1769 - 1779
He roundly opposed moving the capital.
Was a model of Christian charity.
Tribute from the Committee of the 200th Anniversary of the Diocese.
1743 - 1943

Erected 1943.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1769.

Location. 14° 33.389′ N, 90° 43.966′ W. Marker is in Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez. The marker can be seen on the south side entrance to the ruins of the

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Antigua Cathedral. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez 03001, Guatemala. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Cathedral of Santiago de Guatemala (a few steps from this marker); The University of San Carlos (within shouting distance of this marker); Notable Burials at the Cathedral of Santiago de Guatemala (within shouting distance of this marker); First Rector and Graduate of the University of San Carlos (within shouting distance of this marker); Cathedral of Antigua Guatemala (within shouting distance of this marker); Francisco Marroquín (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Luis Cardoza y Aragón (within shouting distance of this marker); California Avocado Society Thanks Guatemala (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Antigua Guatemala.

Regarding Pedro Cortés y Larraz. Pedro Cortés y Larraz was the Catholic Archbishop during the earthquake on January 29, 1773 which almost completely destroyed the city of Antigua, Guatemala (then known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala). At the time the city was an important economic and cultural center and rivaled other cities in the Americas. After the earthquake, the military and civic leaders of the day decided to move the Guatemalan

Wide view of Pedro Cortes y Larraz Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. Makali Bruton, May 8, 2015

2. Wide view of Pedro Cortes y Larraz Marker

The marker is to the left of the rightmost set of large doors, which lead to the ruins of the Cathedral of San José.

capital to its current location, Guatemala City. Pedro Cortés y Larraz famously opposed the move of the capital, although eventually he was overridden. He is also very famous for a book he wrote of his visits to all of the parishes in his diocese (the Descripción Geográfico-Moral de la Diócesis de Goathemala). This trip took him almost two years to complete from 1768 to 1770, traveling mostly by foot and horseback. It provides detailed geographical and ethnographic information from the colonial period.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. This page has been viewed 662 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.