Santa Maria de la Nueva Valladolid de Comayagua, or simply Comayagua was founded by Don Francisco de Montejo. Today is the main city of the Department of the same name, located lower in the Humuya river. It was the capital of Honduras from 1573 to 1880 that was transferred definitively to Tegucigalpa. Since then it was scene of important events, besides having monumental structures of inestimable value. At the moment, the city is well-known for its commercial and industrial activity. There are hotels, restaurants, stores, centers of animation and the public services. The Historical Center of Comayagua is essentially important for the conservation of the national historical patrimony. It was constructed according to the old Spanish system with a central square and the houses surrounding it. In 1972 the Government of Honduras declared it National Monument since it holds important colonial constructions, such as churches, houses and other worthy and antique public works. Some of the most representative monuments of their artistic patrimony are the Cathedral, the Church of San Sebastián and San Francisco, La Caridad and the Church of La Merced. Others places of interest are the seat of the Bishop, the Colonial Museum and the seat of the Museum of Anthropology and History, that previously was the Presidential House, the National Congress and the Palace of Justice of the Supreme Court. Similarly, there are other interesting museums, like the house of Jose Trinidad Cabañas, as well as the house of Francisco Morazán. Although the main attractions of the city are its architectonic legacy lasting from the colonial time, there are options for excursions and enjoying nature in the natural parks: the Montaña Azul Meámbar, Montaña de Comayagua and la Sierra de Montecillos, as well as the Spa Santa Cruz, located in a private property, with crystalline water swimming pools. Finally, it should be mentioned that within the limits of the department there are numerous rests of old cities, as the city of Tenampúa, to the Southeastern of Comayagua and that you can also visit.
