Guatemala Guide
The Verapaces
The plaza
Cobán's imperial heyday, when it stood at the centre of its own isolated world, is long gone, and its glory faded. The plaza, however, remains an impressive triangle, from which the town drops away on all sides. It's dominated by the cathedral, which is worth peering into to see the remains of a massive, ancient, cracked church bell. A block behind, the market bustles with trade during the day and is surrounded by food stalls at night. Hints of the days of German control can also be found here and there in the town's architecture, which incorporates the occasional suggestion of Bavarian grandeur.