Comayagua is a city in Honduras, some 80 km northwest of Tegucigalpa on the highway to San Pedro Sula at an elevation of 594 meters above sea level. In 2003 the estimated population was 60,000 people. It is the capital of the Comayagua department of Honduras. The city is noted for its wealth of Spanish Colonial architecture. The central square has a cathedral with the oldest clock in the Americas.

History

Comayagua was founded with the name Santa María de la Nueva Valladolid by Conquistador Alonso de Cáceres under orders from Francisco de Montejo, Governor of Yucatán on December 8, 1537. From 1540 on Comayagua was the capital of the Honduras Province of the Captaincy General of Guatemala. In 1786 (23 December) the Spanish Crown created the Intendencia of Comayagua, with Comayagua as its capital which lasted until 1812. From 1812 to 1814 it was the capital of the Province of Comayagua when it again reverted to being the capital of the Intendencia of Comayagua until 1820. In 1820, Honduras was again called the Province of Comayagua or Honduras, with Comayagua as its capital. After independence from Spain it was the capital of the state of Honduras in the United States of Central America. After Honduras became an independent republic, the capital alternated between Comayagua and Tegucigalpa (Comayagua being preferred by Conservative administrations, and Tegucigalpa by Liberal ones) before being permanently established at Tegucigalpa in 1880.

In recent years Comayagua has become one of the most important tourist attractions in Honduras. This is due to the Cooperation Técnica Española and the Honduran Institute of Anthropology and History, both of which have cooperated in maintaining the city’s historical sites. In the downtown is located the Central Plaza. From this strategic point one can appreciate the cathedral of Comayagua and City Hall.Surrounded by beautiful gardens, the Central Plaza serves as point of reference of the city. In it the residents gather to celebrate the local holidays and concerts of marimbas, among other activities.

Right in front of the plaza is located City Hall, which has been reconstructed a couple of times. The building is of neoclassic style and was built during the 16th century.

From the Central plaza one can also appreciate the city’s main attraction, the Cathedral of Comayagua. This church is one of the biggest and most beautiful churches built during the colonial era in Honduras. It was inaugurated on December 8, 1711.

Soto Cano Air Base

Soto Cano Air Base (formerly Palmerola Air Base) is a Honduran military installation located less than from Comayagua. The two miles (3 km) wide and six miles (10 km) long airbase is home of the Honduran Air Force Academy. United States maintains Joint Task Force Bravo on Soto Cano Air Base with approximately 550 US military personnel and more than 650 US and Honduran civilians.

Sports

Comayagua is headquarters of Club Hispano, of the Honduran National Soccer League. The club obtained its first promotion to the National League in 2004-2005. Nevertheless, after only their first season in the soccer league; they were relegated to second division once again. For this reason the board of directors, bought the first division franchise from Club Municipal-Valencia of Choluteca. The Club plays its home games at the municipal stadium 'Carlos Miranda' which currently holds about 10,000 spectators.

Historic Sites

• La Caxa Real
• The Column
• The Capillary Room
• City Hall

Churches

• Cathedral of Comayagua
• La Merced
• Church of San Francisco
• Church of San Sebastian
• Church of The Charity

Cultural Attractions

• Museum of Anthropology
• Museum of Religious Art
• The "Little Devils"

External links

• Interactive Map of Comayagua
• Oficial site of Comayagua