Colonial Cities

   More than 300 years of Hispanic colonial history have left their mark throughout Honduras in the many religious, civilian and military buildings that can still be found today.

   More than 100 churches with exquisite reliefs and interiors rich with imagery, precious metals and paintings pay silent tribute to the great importance that the mines of the old Provincia de Honduras had for the Spanish Crown. Some of the best examples of this heritage can be found today in the cities of Comayagua, Yuscaran, Tegucigalpa, Omoa, Trujillo and Gracias.

   One of the best preserved colonial cities in Honduras is Gracias, the capital of the western department of Lempira. Nearby La Esperanza is the highest city in Honduras and also the capital of the department of Intibuca. In addition to the charisma of its colonial architecture, Santa Barbara is famous for producing the most beautiful handicrafts in the region.

   Tegucigalpa, the nation's capital, has a long colonial history and is home to the San Miguel Arcangel Cathedral, the Manuel Bonilla National Theater and the Villa Roy National Museum, all within a short distance of one another. Another historic mining town is Ojojona. Full of attractions, it's one of the most picturesque and best preserved colonial cities in Honduras.*