Campeche, the beautiful capital of the state that shares the same name, is a perfect example of a vice royal port city. In the surroundings of Campeche, there are lots of interesting places for the tourist to visit, for example: the haciendas, several archaeological zones and the petenes (islets located on mangrove areas). The impressive beauty of the forts you will find within the city of Campeche, its cobbled streets and the gorgeous colonial buildings, have turned the city into a World Cultural Heritage.
Description
Nowadays Campeche is the proud owner of more than a thousand edifications of immeasurable historic value that have survived as witnesses of the commercial, military and religious purposes that this city had since the 16th century, becoming a link between two worlds: the Old and the New.
The very complete fortification system that can still be found around the whole city is an essential example of the astonishing Spanish military architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries, a fundamental part of the integral defensive system that the Spanish troops used in the Caribbean to protect their cities from the constant pirate attacks.
The more than 300 years that have passed since the construction of the wall and the forts that protect the city, have not left a mark in them, nowadays they are considered to be some of the most important attractions of the city. The seven bastions that surround the Historic Center, eternal stone titans have prevailed unscathed to the passing of time, are now used for several purposes, some have been turned into museums, one of them is now a botanic garden and another one holds a permanent handicraft exposition.
The great mansions of Campeche feature high ceilings and majestic interior arcs that make the rooms fresher. The balconies are decorated with beautiful wrought iron ornaments that delight the sight of the visitors and silently whisper their stories about a past of great economic splendor. Its beautiful cobbled streets go hand to hand with the gorgeous façades of the mansions, creating a wonderful and fascinating Colonial ambience.
History
Founded on October 4th, 1540 and being the only port habilitated as an access to dry land, this city was the spot from where the expansion to the interior of the Yucatan peninsula, started. The numerous pirate attacks suffered in this city started in 1559 with French attacks, continuing with those of pirates from England and Holland, due to the conflicts of these European countries against the Spanish Crown, and also to the great wealth that had been found in Yucatan.
Towards the end of the 19th century, Campeche had lost the economic solvency that it once had thanks to its maritime, commercial and farming position. By then it was the henequen haciendas the ones that increased the economy of the state, letting the state recover its economic prosperity. The haciendas featured main houses of great dimensions, barns, warehouses, water wheels and plantation fields. Some of them also featured offices, stores and churches. Nowadays these beautiful haciendas are used for tourist purposes, some of them have been restored and are used as luxurious hotels while some other are used for scheduled tourist visits.
Historic Center
Following the Renascent grid style, the streets of the city where built as a chess board, constructing a plaza in the squares near the sea where parties and ceremonies of the people where supposed to be celebrated, according to the Spanish Crown. The main buildings that gave legality to the powers of the conqueror were set around the plaza: the Cathedral (Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepcion parish), the shipyard, the court and the houses of the most important conquerors.
In the present-day the Historic Center is a fusion of buildings from the 16th to 19th centuries. It has a military, civil and religious architecture, office complexes and dwelling houses from the 20th century, located in areas gained to the sea. The beautiful colors and the lovely architecture make of the Historic Center one of the most interesting Campeche sightseeing places.
A lot to discover
In the areas surrounding Campeche, several archeological zones with beautiful Maya constructions can be found. During your Campeche vacations we strongly recommend you to visit these interesting places and take a stroll among its huge constructions with gorgeous masks and patterns used as decorations in honor to the gods. In places like Edzna, city that was the regional capital during the years 400 and 1000 of our era, you can find a very advanced architecture and very important achievements in engineering, since it features conduits and dams that were used by the inhabitants to gather and distribute water.
The Petenes are islets found among mangroves, they have medium forest vegetation an extension of 130 thousand hectares; they are a great part of Campeche's seaboard. These ecosystems survive thanks to the fresh water of the surface and the salty water of the bottom of the springs. The Petenes are a refuge to a great variety of wild and aquatic animals, and they are a part of the Natural Reserve of the state.
Near the city you will find endless activities to embark into and lots of places to visit, to top everything up, this state's gastronomy is delicious and its people is kind and warm. Thanks to all of this, your Campeche vacations will turn into an unforgettable adventure you can share with your family or friends. Don't hesitate and come visit us!