FAST FACTS
Location: Campeche State, Yucatan
Peninsula
Distance from Mexico City: 750 miles
east
Population: 225,000
Closest major airport: Alberto Acuna
Ongay International aka Campeche Intl (CPE)
Time Zone: Central Standard Time
The gorgeous capital city of Campeche,
located in Campeche State on the east coast
of the Gulf of Mexico, is the largest city
between Merida and Villahermosa and is one
of Mexico’s best-preserved historic centers,
declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in
1999. Founded in 1540, Campeche City was the
first Spanish settlement of the Yucatan
Peninsula and served as one of the most
important ports in America, exporting forest
products. Due to frequent pirate attacks, an
enormous wall and several fortresses were
constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries,
giving Campeche a truly distinctive
appearance.
A great way to get to know Campeche is on
foot. Magnificently restored colonial
buildings and houses painted in pastels line
the cobblestone streets. Campeche´s historic
center consists of three districts that
represent the city’s history. The first is
the walled section featuring mansions
inhabited by the Spaniards during the
colonial era; the second is the San
Francisco district to the north of the
fortification, containing some of the oldest
buildings on the Yucatan Peninsula; and the
third is San Roman, south of the city, where
Mexican indigenous groups and mulattos from
the Caribbean settled.
Interesting sites within the historic center
include the Cathedral, built in 1540 and the
oldest on the Yucatan Peninsula; the San
Franciscan Church also built in the 16th
century; and the Carvajal Mansion, once
owned by the rich and powerful Carvajal
family and converted into government offices
and a crafts store.
Exploring the historic fortresses is also a
must. Fort San Miguel, overlooking Campeche
from the south, houses the Campeche Regional
Museum displaying prehispanic antiquities;
Fort San Jose, on the opposite side, has
also been converted into a museum, featuring
pieces from the colonial era. And Fort San
Carlos houses a government-sponsored
handicrafts market and a rather intriguing
basement, with secret passageways linked to
houses throughout the city, dating back to
piracy times when quick escapes were needed.
Convenient trolleys are also available in
Campeche. The “El Guapo” Trolley picks up at
the main plaza in the historic center,
making trips to the San Miguel and San Jose
forts, and for trips around the historic
center, jump on the “Tranvia de la Ciudad.”
To relive the battles between the Campeche
residents and pirates, don’t miss the sound
and light show at 8:00pm on Tuesdays,
Fridays and Saturdays, in front of the Land
Gate ("Puerta de Tierra"), built in 1732. Or
take an afternoon stroll along the
waterfront.
About 30 miles southeast of Campeche is the
ancient Mayan city of Edzna, dating back to
600 B.C. and abandoned in the 15th century.
Interesting buildings include the Temple of
Five Stories (Templo de Cinco Cuerpos) with
five levels, and the Temple of Masks,
featuring head carvings with jaguar-like
faces. |
