Ciudad Vieja was the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala until a mudflow off Volcán de Agua destroyed it in 1541, which is how Antigua came to be founded. Today it is the next major town southwest of Antigua, about fifteen minutes away on the paved road that continues toward the coast, with the volcano filling the view behind it. It is famous for its woodworking.
This is a full time living town rather than a tourism town, with commercial spots along the road in and everything you need day to day. There are several gated communities in and around Ciudad Vieja, which is a big part of why buyers look here: a real town, close to Antigua, at prices below the city.
