The Catedral de Flores stands proudly on a hilltop on Flores Island. It’s a place to admire elegant architecture, experience a sense of tranquility and see a sacred icon. The cathedral’s official name is Catedral Nuestra Señora de los Remedios y San Pablo Itzá. It dates back to Flores’ colonial period and overlooks the town’s main square, Parque Central.
Take a moment to study the cathedral’s simple yet graceful whitewashed design. Note the symmetrical façade, dominated by twin bell towers crowned by domes. Watch as locals come to say prayers and attend mass.
A major highlight of the cathedral is the Cristo Negro (Black Christ) icon, which stands above the main altar. On January 15, pilgrims come to the cathedral and pay homage to this sacred icon, which is said to possess miraculous powers. It forms part of a collection of Black Christ images located throughout Central America. The most famous is located in Esquipulas, in southeastern Guatemala.
The Catedral de Flores sits in the heart of Flores and is just a short walk from the town’s other major attractions. Relax in leafy Parque Central, home to a replica of Guatemala City’s Monumento a la Paz (Monument to Peace). Visit the nearby CINCAP Museum, housed in the centuries-old Castillo de Arismendi (Arismendi Castle). The museum has exhibits on the archaeological sites and indigenous cultures of the Petén region in addition to handicraft shops.
Wander along Flores’ cobblestone streets, which wind downhill from the cathedral to the shores of Lago de Petén Itzá (Lake Petén Itzá). Spot colourful cubist houses, many of which are also cafés, restaurants and bars with rooftop terraces.
Follow the waterfront promenade that travels around the town’s perimeter. Stop to watch locals and tourists alike jump from boardwalks into the lake’s glistening water. Go to the town’s dock, from where you can arrange trips to the villages and attractions on Lago de Petén Itzá such as Zoologico Petencito. Walking non-stop around promenade takes about 20-minutes.
