The territory of Honduras was first colonized by the Spaniards. They founded a dozen Spanish settlements, but the Indians demonstrated fierce resistance to the aliens, significantly limiting the development of new lands. When gold and silver mines, which were the main source of revenue to the treasury of Spain were exhausted, the Spaniards almost completely lost interest in Honduras. Taking advantage of the weakening of the Spanish position in the region, Britain began to develop intensively the country's Caribbean coast, breeding tobacco and growing mahogany.

Tegucigalpa is often referred to as Tegus. It was founded as a center for the mining industry, but later the Spaniards founded the capital of their possessions in Comayagua, near Tegucigalpa. The latter regained the status of the capital of the country only in 1880. The city demonstrates a harmonious fusion of colonial and modern architecture. It gives a rather unusual combination of historical and contemporary appearance of the capital. Its main advantage is the fresh and cool climate, which is explained by the location of the town in the cool mountain area with magnificent pine forests on the surrounding slopes. The city has an extensive business area with a huge market, plenty of cheap hotels and a large number of transport terminals.

The main attractions in the center of Tegucigalpa were founded in the 16th century, such as the church Iglesia de San Francisco, which has a majestic appearance and a quirky interior in a traditional Spanish style, the cathedral of San Miguel with a gilded altar and a carved stone cross, and in front of them there is a sprawling Parque Centrale. Noteworthy is also the old university, currently used as a fine art museum, a modern palace Palacio Legislativo, as well as the old Presidential Palace, which now houses the Historical Museum of the Republic.

Morazбn Square is also considered one of the centers of the city, used as a popular meeting place, market place and the arena of social events. The statue in the center of the square is set in honor of the national hero Francisco Morazбn. To the north of the square, there stretch the old suburbs that were once the wealthiest district of residence of immigrants. Dozens of old buildings as well as Green Park La Leona, Parque de las Nasiones Unidas, and a small zoo can be seen on the slopes of the nearby mountains.

To the east of the center, the northern edge of the rich district of Colonia Palmira begins, where most foreign embassies, luxury hotels and residences of the rich people are situated. The Museum of Natural History in the National Autonomous University of Honduras offers an extensive exhibition of various ecosystems of the country.

Many historical monuments of Honduras are located around Tegucigalpa (ask your travel agent in Honduras how to visit them in the most effective way), but the main destination is always the huge Gothic Basilica of Virgin de Suyyapa. The shrine itself is a tiny wooden statue, which is believed to have miraculous properties. Thousands of pilgrims flock here from all over the country and Central America. The statuette is kept on the altar in the imposing complex of the Basilica with its famous stained-glass windows.

The National Park La Tigra is considered one of the richest wildlife habitats on the mainland, with its more than 200 species of birds, 170 species of higher plants and 140 animal species. It has become a favorite venue for weekend recreation.

Honduras tour operators prepare and implement an interesting and cost-effective tour around the country helping you with such travel needs as visas, flights, hotels, itineraries and excursions.
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