|
What
to See and Do in Campeche City
CALAKMUL
BIOSPHERE RESERVE
 |
This
nature reserve is located along with the ruins in
the southeast of Campeche State. It was declared
by the Mexican Government as an ecological
reserved area on May 22, 1989. Occupying 723,185
hectares, it is the largest tropical nature
reservation in Mexico.
Internationally, it represents an ecological link
between the humid rain forests in Guatemala and
the Lacondian Forest in Chiapas, Mexico.
It possesses an ecosystem of great importance,
wealth, fragility and diversity. In order to get
there, a 60 km south deviation must be taken
inside the forest. It has protected animals like:
the jaguar, the eagle, etc. |
Historic
Center (Main Plaza) 
The Historical Center of Campeche was designed in the
Renaissance stile of a “chess board” in accordance
to the specifications of the Spanish Crown. On the
square closest to the sea the central park was built and
main town square.
Though it was built for the people of the community,
this square was used by the town elite, Spanish royalty
and political authority for parties and ceremonies. The
buildings enclosing the square were used for the
government offices, The Cathedral, Navy offices, Customs
and the most influent conquistadors’ houses.
You can feel the presence of Campeche´s history when
you stroll through the historical downtown streets.
Since parts of the old fortress walls still remain, the
legacy of pirates, conquerors and civil war lingers from
the XIX century can be felt in the atmosphere.
Now days the historical downtown of Campeche City, main
center of business, cultural, administrative and tourist
activities, is surrounded by buildings from the XVI,
XVII, XVIII, and XIX centuries; and edifications with
military, civil and religious architecture, as well as
complex offices, and houses from the XX century, located
in areas gained on the sea.
| CAMPECHE'S
CATHEDRAL
|
Located
in the Main Square on 55th street between 8th
and 10th streets downtown (Historical Center).
In 1540 Francisco de Montejo´s son ordered the
construction of a small church in honor of the
Conceptions Virgin.
This construction was built with lime and
pebble, with palm roof. On October 22, 1760, the
construction of the Jesus Nazareno Chapel and
the water side tower ended, the Española (the
Spanish), where the first public clock was
placed, with a written stone shield, which was
destroyed after the Independence of Mexico.
Between 1849 and 1850 the land side tower was
built, known today as “La Campechena”, the
beautiful clock placed on it in 1916 still
works. The Chapel is located in the garden. On
the right of the church it’s located the
bishopric building.
|
Casa
#6
Located in the Main Square, House #6 is a
fully-furnished replica of a typical colonial style
house. The entrance is free and has a restaurant and a
bookstore and is also used as an information center.
Fort
San Jose
Located to the north of the city, San Jose el Alto is
one of two forts built to protect the city, complete
with cannons and rifle slits. The fort is also home to
the Ships and Weapons Museum displaying weapons and
boats and items traded during the pirate era. Along the
way you will see an impressive statue of Benito Juarez
on the hilltop overlooking the city. Tuesdays - Sundays.
| Fort
San Miguel
|
Located
2.5 kms southwest of town, this 18th-century fort
includes a moat and a drawbridge. General Santa
Ana captured it when he attacked Campeche City in
1842. Inside is Campeche's archaeological museum,
also known as the Mayan Culture Museum. It
contains ceramics and jade masks found at nearby
archaeological sites and rooms depicting Maya
astrology, war and their Gods.
To
get to the fort, drive south along the coastal
road towards the fishing village of Lerma until
you reach the large statue of a man with a raised
arm called the Resurgence of Campeche and then
follow the signs. Tuesdays - Sundays.
|
City
if EDZNÁ :
For a glimpse at one of the Yucatán’s most important
archaeological sites, head east about 60 km. to Edzná.
The city flourished during the Classic period, and was a
contemporary of Palenque. By 650 A.D. there is evidence
the city was inhabited by as many as 70,000 Maya. Edzná
then began to decline, and by 900 A.D., invaders had
sacked the city. Ruins are scattered over 2 kilometers.
The central plaza (160 m. long and 100 m. wide) contains
some exquisite buildings. Limestone temples, stucco
masks, a ball court, an amphitheater, and a complex
system of water canals place this site in an elite group
of Mexico's most advanced Pre-Columbian cities. The
towering Pyramid of the Five Niches (31 meters tall) can
be seen as you approach the site. Visitor counts are
small, allowing for leisurely, contemplative visits.
Boardwalk
Inaugurated in 2000, this 3.5 km road along the
waterfront is a beautiful place for families to
spend time together, to see the sunset and enjoy
the tranquility of the Gulf of Mexico. There are
driving roads as well as biking and walking lanes
and areas to sit and play. |
|
