Antigua Guatemala was the capital of the Spanish colony of Guatemala in the 16th and 17th centuries. The city was founded in 1543 and quickly became an important center for trade and culture in the region. The colonial architecture in Antigua shows the elegant and ornate style favored by Spanish elites during this period. Many of the buildings were constructed of volcanic rock, which made them more resistant to the frequent earthquakes in the region. Today, colonial architecture in Antigua still bears witness to the city's rich heritage and cultural importance.