The Colonial Center

As the capital of Honduras [1] for more than 300 years, and the religious seat of the colony under Spanish rule, Comayagua [2] boasts many colonial structures and works of art. Don’t miss the ornate catedral, [3] right on the downtown square, along with two interesting museums, one of colonial religious art [4] and the other of regional archaeology [5].

Formerly, most were in rather sad condition, but recently Comayagua has begun a major overhaul of its colonial past in an effort to boost itself as a tourist destination, in part with the help of money from the Spanish government. Both the main parque and the Plaza La Merced have been given complete facelifts, with very positive results.

The bustling central park has been rebuilt with cobblestones and is filled with all sorts of lovely plants, trees, and flowers, along with freshly painted benches, a bandstand, and a beautiful fountain. Numerous kiosks set up a fair every 15 days to sell souvenirs and traditional Honduran food.

Note the outline of the cathedral, which lines up with the church’s shadow once a day, drawn on the stones of the park in front.