Added: 08/18/2005 |
Treasures of world architecture: cities in HondurasFor centuries, we admire works of ancient Maya who created their mysterious civilization just in the middle of impenetrable forests of Central America. Visiting Honduras cities, you are offered to plunge into the past, to learn more about history of this prepossessing land, the capital of which is Tegucigalpa. Tegucigalpa (Silver hill) established in 1536-1538 is a wonder of harmony between colonial and contemporary architecture. In addition, pleasant and cool climate of the city is ensured by constant indraught of fresh air from mountains, became overgrown with pine forests. The main sights of Tegucigalpa (often called Tegus) are magnificent St. Francisco church, built in XVI century and St. Michael cathedral founded in XVII century, where altar is made in baroque style. It is worth to see both modern Legislative Palace and old-time Presidential Castle and Old University, which is used as a splendid museum at present. Unique Iglesia San Francisco church is the first one built in Tegucigalpa. Market of handicraft wares Comayaguela and national anthropology museum attracts tourists as well. Nightlife of the city is concentrated on Boulevard Morasan and Avenida Huan Pablo II.
A lot of historical places around Tegucigalpa deserve your attention, such as enormous gothic cathedral Basilic de Suyapa, deposed in 7km to south-east from the city's centre.
Santa Lucia, Valle de Angeles are known as fascinating Spanish miner's towns with winding side streets, paved alleys and beautiful churches.
Comayagua was the capital since1537 until 1880. It still keeps the heredity of colonial times. Cathedral in the centre of Comayagua is a storehouse for many antiquities. Its famous chimes were made more than 800 years ago for palace Alhambra in Seville and then were endowed by Phillip II Spanish. Moreover, it is Comayagua, where the first University in Central America was founded in 1632. Nowadays there is the Colonial Museum here which holds a huge collection of church art and reminders of colonial period. The first church of the city is La Merced, built between 1550 and 1558, however, there are many wonderful churches, including San Francisco (1584) and La Caridad (1730).
Most of those who decide to visit cities in Honduras do it because of Copan - well-known archeological centre of the country. Vestiges of Maya are in this place, presented by the most interesting fretwork and sculpture of all Maya cities. Riddles of nine steles, Hieroglyph Stairs, each stair of what is covered by astounding characters, altars, temple Rosalila strike your imagination and no one can remain indifferent.
Truhilyo once played a part in the history of Honduras. Nowadays it has reputation of one of the best cities in Honduras with fine beach and brushwood of coconut-trees. At the same time, it is not busy here, excluding the festival time.
San Pedro Sula is the heart of economic life of the country. It is situated in northwestern Honduras, near Puerto Cortes, in the Sula Valley. The capital of Cortes Department, city was established in 1536, to the east of its present location, then moved in the 17th century. San Pedro Sula is a commercial center of an area of banana and sugar plantations; industries include sugar refining, tanning, flour milling, brewing, meatpacking, tobacco processing, and the manufacture of lumber, furniture, dairy products, and soap. It is one of the largest cities in Honduras and the site of the Jose Reyes Normal School. Excellent Museo de Arqueologia y Historia is located here too.
Nice and quite beaches of Caribbean town Tela are favorite destination for many travelers.
In addition, hospitable, relaxing atmosphere and peaceful landscapes bring popularity to Islands of Honduras. Roatan Islands, Isles de la Baya, Hog Islands summon those who love not only urban entertainments.
In conclusion, tour of cities in Honduras is inconceivable without numerous festivals, carnivals and fairs. Colorful fair Virgen de Suyapa is held in Suyapa(7 km to south east from Tegucigalpa) during two first weeks of February. Carnival in La Ceiba is celebrated during the third week of May and it is always accompanied by parades live street music and fancy dressed trains. Among other celebrations, it is worth to note Copan Ruins fair (15-20 of March and 15-21 of December), Tela (13 of June), Trujillo (24 of June) San Pedro Sula (the last week of June) and Danly (last weekend of August). Every year Feria Centroamericana de Tourismo and Artesania goes off in Tegucigalpa from 6 to 16 of December. It is an international fair of tourism and handicrafts with grand festival, where representatives of this spheres and art groups from different countries of continent gather.
If you try to unravel Maya's enigma, or to familiarize with underwater archeology,
if you are fond of Spanish culture or if you only have a wish of rest, Honduras is open for you.
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