Many of the cities in Mexico were founded and colonized several hundred years ago by the Spaniards. This colonial heritage is preserved better in some places than others, and the city of Campeche is known for its colonial-era architecture. It’s even been deemed a World Heritage Site.
I enjoyed Campeche. I felt that the place’s colonial legacy was on display better here than in Merida. There isn’t a whole lot to actually do in the town, but it was a really pleasant place to wander around for a day.
Graffiti near the bus station
One of the old bulwarks/towers that used to be part of the wall surrounding the town
Bell on top of one of the bulwarks
Colorful street
A church
More colors
The church on the main plaza. The building dates from the 17th century.
The old city hall building on the plaza
Another building on the plaza
The old town wall
A cannon along the waterfront. The water here on the Gulf side of the Yucatan is definitely not as pretty as it is on the Caribbean side.
Another view of the old church
The San José el Alto Fort on top of a hill
The fort’s moat
Looking north toward mangroves from the top of the fort
Looking south from the top of the fort toward the center of the city
The fort’s drawbridge
Cannons at the fort
A massive (50’+) statue of Benito Juarez, who is sort of like a Mexican equivalent of George Washington. Not sure what’s going on with the thing on top of his head…
Here’s Campeche. It was about a 2.5-hour bus ride from Merida:
