Travel Guide CAMPECHE Contents
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Travel Guide CAMPECHE Contents DISCOVER CAMPECHE 01 CAMPECHE PROFILE 03 CAMPECHE ATTRACTIONS 04 CAMPECHE DINING 11 CAMPECHE SHOPPPING 13 CAMPECHE NIGHTLIFE 14 THINGS TO DO IN CAMPECHE 15 DISCOVER CAMPECHE Located beside the Gulf of Mexico, San Francisco de Campeche is a colonial city that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its beautifully preserved buildings and traditions. During the Viceroyalty it was the main seaport in the Yucatan Peninsula and a wall was built to protect the city from pirate attacks. Today, Campeche is known for these remarkable military structures and its status as the capital of a major oil producing state is a source of pride for the city. WALLED CITY The prosperity of Villa de San Francisco de Campeche was a result of its great location as well as the production of logwood and its shipbuilding industry. The city then became one of the main maritime ports of New Spain and an increasingly popular target among pirates and buccaneers. After the bloody attack by the pirate Lorencillo, it was decided that an imposing wall with eight bastions and four doors should be constructed. With the decline of pirate attacks, the Campeche wall was gradually demolished to make way for urban development. Remnants of the wall can still be seen, giving tourists and residents an idea of what life was like at this unique Mexican site. 1 A BRIEF HISTORY Founded on October 4, 1540, Campeche is the only port that offers land access to the region and was used as the headquarters for Francisco de Montejo’s conquest of the Yucatan Peninsula. The various pirate attacks suffered by the city first began in 1559, when French, English and Dutch bandits struck in an effort to claim the great riches found in the Mayan world and because of the conflicts that these European countries had with the Spanish crown. To defend the population, two centers of operation were constructed; however this was nothing but a failed attempt as the city continued to suffer these acts of piracy. This persuaded the magistrate of Yucatan to build a wall with bastions and two lookout points that would allow for early detection of the enemy. By the late nineteenth century, Campeche had lost the financial standing it once held with its agricultural, shipping and commercial ventures. During this time, the henequen haciendas raised the state’s economy and prosperity returned. Some of the buildings from this era have been restored and refitted as luxury hotels while others offer scheduled tours. The state government was given the task of restoring the historic center and maintaining the historic value of the bastions and forts that were still standing. Their efforts were successful and in 1999 UNSECO named Campeche a World Heritage Site. 2 CAMPECHE PROFILE The only walled city in New Spain. The scene of some of the most memorable pirate exploits in the history of Mexico. Wonderfully preserved military and colonial architecture . Has one of the most beautiful boardwalks in Mexico. Local cuisine primarily consists of seafood. 3 CAMPECHE ATTRACTIONS CAMPECHE CATHEDRAL Located in Plaza de la Constitucion, this beautiful religious building was originally a small church with a thatched roof. The chapel and both towers would be built later, giving it the neoclassical look that exists today. In 2006, exterior lighting was added to provide lovely views for tourists who wish to take an evening stroll through Campeche. CASA 6 This beautiful structure was designed to accommodate the lifestyle of the Campeche upper class between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. It has a restaurant and bookstore and also serves as an information and cultural center. In addition, this attraction features weekly activities that are open to the public. 4 FORT SAN JOSE DEL ALTO Known as the Historic Museum of San Jose del Alto, this fort is often called “The Old Watcher” due to its strategic location, which offers unique views of the city and the ocean. The oil paintings display weapons used between the sixteenth and nineteenth century and you’ll also find miniature replicas of galleons and other items related to trade and naval forces. FORT DE SAN MIGUEL This impressive local landmark was constructed to defend Campeche from a possible attack by the English, who took over Florida and Belize in the late seventeenth century. It offers a breathtaking view of the ocean horizon and is home to the Campeche Archeological Museum, where you’ll find the jade masks discovered at Calakmul and other significant Mayan artifacts. THE BOARDWALK Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the Campeche Boardwalk has become a favorite amongst those who enjoy biking, roller skating or jogging. This is the most modern avenue in the city and offers convenient tourist services, including restaurants, hotels and other businesses. Make sure you take a moment to admire the Justo Sierra monument, the Novia del Mar statue and the flagpole while exploring this lovely area. 5 EDZNA This Mayan archeological site is approximately an hour away from the capital and features an impressive structure known as The Great Acropolis, a large elevated platform that holds more than 10 structures. To add to the site’s fascinating history, evidence has been found of a complex network of irrigation channels at Edzna. PUERTA DE TIERRA This part of the wall separates the oldest city district from the urban area. After walking down a path you’ll arrive at the San Juan Bastion, which overlooks the architectural beauty of the historic center. At night there is a light and sound show that tells of life in colonial Campeche and recreates the pirate battles that plagued the harbor. PUERTA DE MAR For a long time the Sea Gate was the main entrance to the city due to its commercial nature. Connected to the Soledad Bastion, this part of the wall is the closest to Plaza de la Constitucion and the cathedral. It was partially destroyed in the nineteenth century but was rebuilt in the twentieth century. Today it has a “dancing fountain” and is the place where the pedestrian traffic routes through the historic center begin. 6 CAMPECHE CHURCH OF JESUS This church was originally built in 1560 so that area’s inhabitants did not have to travel to the cathedral. Originally it was constructed with a thatch roof and other rustic materials, however over the years it has been altered, becoming the church you see today. The building has also been vandalized and was stripped of its paintings and other valuables during the pirate attacks of Laurent Graff and Gramont. SAN ROMAN CHURCH This traditional church is located in the neighborhood of the same name and is one of the most significant Catholic churches for the people of Campeche. Inside you’ll find the Black Christ, a famous sculpture that, according to one story, was brought from Veracruz to Campeche by Don Juan Cano de Coca. The sculpture survived the bad weather in the Gulf of Mexico while another vessel that had refused to transport it sank on its journey. THE TRAM If you’re visiting Campeche, you may want to take advantage of an innovative and entertaining means of transportation that lets you discover more about the culture and history of this charming city. The tram takes you past the main historic sites and monuments in Campeche, through traditional neighborhoods, along the boardwalk and other popular attractions. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn more about this fascinating walled city. 7 PLAYA BONITA This is the nearest beach to the city and is the perfect place to relax as it has gentle waves as well as convenient tourist services, including a restaurant, changing rooms and parking. If you wish to enjoy a day of sun, sand and sea during your vacation in Campeche, Playa Bonita is an excellent choice. SEYBAPLAYA This small and tranquil fishing village has a seaport as well as Payucan, a quiet beach with palapas and bathrooms. Throughout the day, travelers can also dine at a restaurant that serves octopus, shrimp and various kinds of fish. HACIENDA UAYAMON This building symbolizes the prosperity of Campeche, achieved by exporting logwood and henequen. Located just over 12 miles away from the capital, Hacienda Uayamon is now an elegant hotel that has been restored to its former glory. Within its walls, history and tradition merge seamlessly with luxurious features and amenities. OTHER BASTIONS These buildings were the checkpoints used to defend Campeche. They have been preserved as a trib- ute to the courage of those who inhabited the city and never surrendered to the pirates during colonial times. Some are now home to recreational sites, including the Santiago Bastion, which currently houses the X’much Haltun Botanical Garden. 8 HACIENDA TANKUCHE This former hacienda was constructed in a French style and is reminiscent of a medieval fortification. It has a spacious central patio that is west of the main house as well as a machine room in the southern area. In the back you’ll find a partially demolished tower that used to serve as a lookout point. Today, this old henequen production center is almost in ruins yet it remains one of the most fascinating attractions in Campeche. ISLA DE JAINA This island is approximately 60 miles northeast of San Francisco de Campeche and features Mayan ruins with pyramidal structures. Jaina is one of the more notable archeological sites as unlike other cities, it served as necropolis. More than a thousand graves have been found, each containing clay pieces that were likely used as offerings to accompany the dead as they crossed over to the afterlife.