HISTORICAL
ARCHITECTURE
Campeche, a city rich in history, was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO due to its beautiful
historic buildings and fortifications. As you walk along
the streets you?ll see various
civic, religious and military constructions
that were built between the
16th and 19th centuries. You can also appreciate large mansions with high ceilings,
iron balconies and majestic arches.
The Bulwarks of Campeche
? Among the splendid architecture that characterizes Campeche are the
old fortifications that were built to wall in the city and protect it from
pirate attacks. Some of these structures have been restored, however there are others that have
their original constructions
intact. The most notable sights are La Puerta de Mar (the Sea Gate), a main entrance which
has a large semicircular arch;
the Soledad Bulwark, which still has parts of the
original wall intact and features a rampart, parapets and garrets on
the top floor;
the Santiago Bulwark, which has maintained its original main door, however the
rest of the
structure has undergone restoration. Also of interest is
the San Francisco Bulwark, which has an access
ramp to a rooftop that offers
an excellent view of the
city; the San Pedro Bulwark, one of
six fortifications with a quadrangular layout and garrets on
the corners. On the other
side, you?ll see the Puerta de Tierra (the Land Gate),
a main door with most of
its original construction intact. There you
can appreciate an old wall with
portholes; inside you?ll see a bronze
cannon that was made in France in the 18th century. Nearby, stands the San Juan Bulwark, a small fortification that forms part
of the remains
of the big
wall. There?s also the Santa Rosa Bulwark, which has a pentagonal design and three
garrets on the top floor.
In addition, you can check
out the pentagonal-formed
San Carlos Bulwark, named after King Carlos II of Spain.
Finally, don?t forget to visit
the San Miguel Fort, one of the
most impressive fortifications due to its large
dimensions; and the San Jose El Alto Fort, a quadrangular construction with three garrets and
a patio with the remains of an
old well curb.
The Haciendas of Campeche
? Campeche?s beautiful haciendas are telling examples of the region?s history, architecture and rural lifestyle. At these enormous constructions, they once produced all kinds of
raw materials, including grains, seeds, henequen and sugar cane.
Today, you can visit many of
these impressive haciendas,
such as Hacienda Puerta Campeche, located near historic monument Puerta de
Tierra. This hacienda, which
has been converted into one of
the region?s most original hotels, comprises a group of 17th-century houses. The Hacienda de Uayamon, located in the town of
Uayamon, initially was a farm, then
it became more diversified as a sugar cane, henequen and corn producer;
it was one
of Campeche?s most important haciendas. Today, it is
a top-notch hotel, which still has the original main building and an
old hospital. Hacienda San Jose
Carpizo, located in the town of
San Jose Carpizo, 60 km
(37 mi) southeast of the
capital, was a farm and it also
produced henequen. It is an
excellent example of 19th-century-neoclassical architecture; the blue mosaics on the façade
stand in contrast to the series of frets
and volutes. The hacienda still boasts the main
building, the original chapel and the
old machine, carpentry and ironworks
shops. Finally, there?s the Hacienda Blanca Flor,
located in Hecelchakan, 63 km
(39 mi) north of Campeche, off Highway 180. This is one
of the oldest
haciendas. All that remains of the
original design is the main building
and the grand
chapel. Today, it operates as a hotel.
Templo de San Roman
? Located on the corner of Calle 10 and Calle Bravo. This magnificent
edifice houses a sculpture of a black Christ that
was brought over by an Italian
merchant in 1565. The
figure is fastened to a silver-ornamented
cross in the presbytery. Many people go
before the cross to ask for
miracles.
Catedral de Campeche
? Located on Calle 55, next to the main plaza, in the
Historic Center. At this cathedral you?ll see the Jesus
Nazareno y La Española
chapel and a clock tower facing
the sea. You?ll also see a tower
called La Campechana, which stands next to
the Puerta de Tierra. This tower now has a clock with four
bright dials, which still works
today.
