Campeche city is a magical piece of history in itself. Along its gorgeous streets and alleys you can feel the presence of the Spanish conquerors, the pirate invaders and the civilian fights of the 19th century. Its impressive forts, protective walls and garrisons do not allow people to forget that this city was once inhabited by heroes that defended it from the constant attacks from pirates from France, England and Holland.
Campeche gives the tourist a wide menu of places to visit and activities to embark into. Apart from the forts and garrisons, the beautiful churches and the colonial houses, there are old henequen haciendas, and multiple archaeological zones in the surrounding areas of the city. All Campeche attractions have interesting stories to share. Among real events and legends that have been blended a fantastic past is born, inviting you to know more about this wonderful tourist destination.
San Jose el Alto and San Miguel's Fort
On the hills that nestle the city of Campeche, San Miguel's fort and San Jose el Alto fort can still be appreciated in their entire splendor. San Jose el Alto fort has been turned into a complete and beautiful museum of colonial weapons and scale boats. From here you can enjoy an unsurpassable view of the city, appreciate its architecture and let your imagination transport you to old times when this place played an important roll in the defense of the inhabitants of the city.
San Miguel's fort still has its moat, its lifting bridge, towers and cannons. From here you will have an impressive view to the ocean, inviting you to want to get soaked with the history of the city, the history of the heroes that fought against the pirates in their constant attempts to invade Campeche and take over its wealth. San Miguel's fort keeps an important exposition of pre-Hispanic pieces, among the most important you will find jade masks that where found in the archeological zone of Calakmul.
Campeche Cathedral
One of the most beautiful Campeche attractions is its cathedral, located on the side of the Main Square in the Historic Center. In the beginning it was conceived as a small church with a thatched roof when Francisco de Montejo junior ordered its construction in 1540. Later on, in 1760 the chapel and the sea-side tower were built. Between the years 1849 and 1850 the land-side tower was built and finally in 1916 the luminous 4-face clock that is used until today was installed.
Casa 6 (House 6)
Beautiful construction with architecture from the 17th century, it has been restored to represent the lifestyle of the people of Campeche in the 19th century. This place features a restaurant area and a bookstore and it works as an information module. Here you will find several weekly activities for all kinds of public.
Hacienda Tankuche
This is a french-style ex-hacienda that simulates a medieval fortification. Its central patio is ample; to the west you will find the main house, to the south, the machine room. In the left posterior side there is a semi-destroyed tower that once was used as a viewpoint. Nowadays, this old henequen production center is almost in ruins, but it is considered one of the most interesting Campeche attractions.
San Fernando's Garrison
This historic colossus has been adapted to modernity; it has a musical interactive fountain that allows unifying the height of the different torrents of water. The design of the fountain evokes the concept of military architecture of the city. This park is complemented by the placement of 21 staffs with their respective flags in red and blue tones, these colors are the ones in Campeche's coat of arms.
The Boardwalk
It features gorgeous viewpoints where some recreation areas have been constructed for families to enjoy the marine breeze and Campeche's sunsets. The boardwalk is constituted by 2 fast lanes and a slow lane, 3 pedestrian walkways a central 6-yard boulevard, a cycling lane and a walking lane, from beginning to end.