VILLAHERMOSA

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Tourism in VILLAHERMOSA, TABASCO

Villahermosa, the capital of Tabasco, is a charming destination for tourism with a rich history and a variety of attractions to offer. The city’s historic center, dating back to the 16th century, features landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas, the Zona Luz, and the Cathedral of the Lord of Tabasco that showcase its colonial past.

Municipal Palace of Villahermosa, Tabasco
Municipal Palace of Villahermosa, Tabasco

The 19th century saw an architectural boom in Villahermosa with beautiful buildings such as the Iglesia de la Concepción, the Casa de los Azulejos, and the Government Palace of Tabasco. In addition to its historical and architectural attractions, Villahermosa is also a modern city that has grown with the oil industry.

Visitors can see the Municipal Palace, the Autonomous University of Guadalajara campus, and the Pemex Pyramid as examples of this modernity. The city also boasts various urban and ecological parks, museums, civil and religious monuments, and excellent hotel accommodations. Its local cuisine, which places a special emphasis on cocoa as a star product, also adds to the city’s appeal.

Villahermosa has a long history dating back to its founding in 1569. However, it wasn’t until the oil industry boomed that the city truly began to prosper. The city was originally named San Juan Bautista, but it was renamed Villahermosa in 1916.

Today, Villahermosa is a bustling city with plenty of shopping centers, administrative buildings, monuments, and urban circuits that make it a great destination for tourists. Visitors can enjoy the Garrido Canabal park, large museums, a modern library, shopping malls, and an extensive fairground. The city’s wide range of services and friendly locals make it an enjoyable and memorable place to visit.

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Tomas Garrido Canabal Park

Tomas Garrido Canabal Park
Tomas Garrido Canabal Park

It is a serene and tranquil destination for visitors to Villahermosa. Originally built in 1929 by Governor Tomás Garrido Canabal, the park was designed to host the annual cattle and commercial fair of the state. However, in 1982 the fair was moved to Parque La Choca, and the park underwent a remodeling project to transform it into a picturesque and peaceful space for residents and visitors alike.

One of the park’s main draws is the Laguna de las Ilusiones, a body of water located within the city limits of Villahermosa and considered one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Despite its shrinking size over the years, the lagoon still spans 229 hectares. The name of the lagoon was chosen by Governor Garrido himself, who had a fondness for the spot as a place for romantic conquests.

In addition to the lagoon, there are several other nearby attractions that visitors can explore. These include:

  • La Venta Museum Park
  • José N. Rovirosa Natural History Museum
  • Elevated Museum of Villahermosa.

The park also features a pedestrian boardwalk and the Mirador de la Águilas, a viewpoint 50 meters high that offers breathtaking views of Villahermosa and its surrounding areas. Overall, visiting Tomas Garrido Canabal Park is a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a day in Villahermosa.

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La Venta Museum Park

La Venta Museum Park is a must-see attraction for those visiting Villahermosa. This open-air museum houses a valuable collection of pieces from the Olmec culture, salvaged from the pre-Columbian city of La Venta. La Venta is an archaeological site located in the northwest of Tabasco, only 15 km from the Gulf of Mexico. It was the primary ceremonial center of the Olmec civilization during its peak period, lasting for 500 years in the 1st century BC.

The museum features over 60 large-format artistic pieces, including colossal heads, sculptures, stelae, and altars, spread across an area of 6.8 hectares. Visitors can admire the Olmec art treasures while also experiencing the biodiversity of Tabasco’s animal and plant life. Some of the most notable pieces on display include the Altar of the Mother and the sculptures La Abuelita, Baby Jaguar, and Monkey Looking at the Sky. At night, there is also a light and sound show that takes visitors on a tour of the Olmec culture.

La Venta Museum Park
La Venta Museum Park

This great museographic work, considered one of the best of its kind in the world, offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the Olmec culture and immerse oneself in the tropical environment during the over one kilometer long walk through the park. Most of the pieces exhibited in the Park-Museum come from the archaeological zone of La Venta, including the famous “Colossal Heads”, known for their unique and masterful design.

These pieces are considered the best samples of that enigmatic and distant culture, the oldest and most mysterious of those that flourished in pre-Columbian Mexico. Due to their voluminous dimensions and peculiar characteristics, they are also considered among the most beautiful and remarkable works made by man in Mesoamerica and even in the American continent. The first one was discovered in Hueyapan, Veracruz in 1862, and a total of 14 have been found so far. Of these, three are on display in the Museum, including the best-preserved, known as the “Warrior’s Head”.

In addition to the Olmec heads, the collection also includes stone mosaics, figures like the “Monkey looking at the sky,” and altars that mark the threshold of the Mayan underworld. The La Venta Park-Museum is located within the vast Garrido Canabal Park and also has a zoo with more than 600 species, showcasing Tabasco’s biodiversity. The park also features 24,000 m2 of regional vegetation, including ornamental plants, fruit trees, medicinal plants, and timber trees. Most of the plant species are identified with informative certificates in various languages.

As one of the most impressive pre-Hispanic centers of its time, La Venta is today one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico. Its impressive colossal heads and enchanting atmosphere make it a must-visit destination. To get here, one must fly to Villahermosa and then take a one and a half hour drive. It is worth the effort! If you are interested in visiting this unique place, we recommend arriving early as it can get crowded. Additionally, it is important to bring mosquito repellent to fully enjoy the walk through the history of the region without interruptions or bites.

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José Narciso Rovirosa Andrade Natural History Museum

The José Narciso Rovirosa Andrade Natural History Museum is a one-of-a-kind destination located on the shores of the Laguna de las Ilusiones. Inaugurated on December 27, 1988, the museum offers visitors a unique experience by showcasing a wide range of topics, including the origin of life, the evolution of man, the universe, and the flora and fauna of the region. In 1999, by decree of the state executive, the museum was named in honor of the illustrious naturalist from Tabasco, José Narciso Rovirosa Andrade.

The museum invites visitors to explore the geological evolution of our planet through time, from the appearance of man to his passage through the Earth. It also highlights the importance of science and biological diversity, as well as the environment in which they develop, and the significance of conserving the ecological heritage of Tabasco.

José Narciso Rovirosa Andrade Natural History Museum
José Narciso Rovirosa Andrade Natural History Museum

The museum’s collection includes scientific reproductions of Mesozoic fossils, such as dinosaurs, traditional utensils and tools from Tabasco, as well as various other objects that add to the museum’s overall display. In 2000, the José Narciso Rovirosa Andrade room was inaugurated, dedicated to the naturalist who conducted important research in the 19th century in the areas of botany, zoology, meteorology, linguistics, and other disciplines.

This room features faithful reproductions of original documents, drawings, and insects, as well as awards granted to the famous naturalist by national and international institutions.

The museum’s building was purpose-built between 1987 and 1988, designed by the architect Jorge Agostoni. The museum opened its doors to the public on December 27, 1988, with the goal of educating the public about the evolution of man and his environment. It contains a collection of over 500 pieces, including dinosaur skeletons, paintings, utensils and tools, as well as various figures and objects that enrich the museography.

The museum has six permanent exhibition rooms that describe the geological, geographical, and biological characteristics of the state of Tabasco. It also showcases the formation of the solar system and our planet, the origin of life through chemical evolution, the educational process of man, the natural resources of the region, and the life and work of the naturalist José Narciso Rovirosa.

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Elevated Museum of Villahermosa

The Elevated Museum of Villahermosa, also known as MUSEVI, is a state-of-the-art architectural masterpiece located on Paseo Tabasco, one of the most iconic and significant avenues in Villahermosa. As part of the Master Plan “Paseo de las Ilusiones,” the MUSEVI is designed to completely transform and revitalize the main avenue of Villahermosa, the capital of the State of Tabasco.

The proposal not only aims to rebuild the avenue, but also to restructure it by understanding the different uses and districts that are intertwined with it, and clearly defining it as a vital economic and tourist hub. The MUSEVI is the first stage of the urban design proposal for the Paseo de las Ilusiones, which aims to enhance existing public spaces by integrating them into a contemporary design and environmental improvement.

Elevated Museum of Villahermosa
Elevated Museum of Villahermosa

The ultimate goal is to create quality public spaces and restore the balance between environmental, social, and cultural aspects. The MUSEVI is a new elevated museum that is complemented by an open-air amphitheater at its base, physically connecting two currently isolated lakes, the Vaso Cencalli and the Lagoon of Illusions. The museum proposes a new form of exhibition and public space that encourages connectivity and social interaction.

The accompanying amphitheater has become a new focal point for Parque Tomás Garrido. The museum’s unique design, which protrudes from the landscape, celebrates and encourages the intimate and reflective contemplation of the surrounding nature. The proposal consists of a cable-stayed space with a metallic envelope in the shape of a boomerang, measuring approximately 100m long by 12.5m at the widest part (central part) and 5m wide, on average, at the ends.

The height of the boomerang varies continuously, decreasing from the center to the ends, going from a total height of 8.4m to 6m. The elements that serve as access to the bridge include a staircase on the north side (Laguna de las Ilusiones) and an elevator, ramp, and stairs on the south side (Vaso Cencali). The MUSEVI features three external platforms on the envelope that function as viewpoints for the lagoon and avenue.

Inside, there are four spaces for different uses, including an exhibition space on the south side, a mezzanine in the middle that is accessed by stairs on both sides, a cafeteria with capacity for 84 people on the lower level, and an exhibition space on the north side. The stairs also double as stands for exhibitions and events.

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The Yumká Ecological Reserve

The Yumká Ecological Reserve is a 101-hectare reserve located in Ranchería Las Barrancas, just 17 km from Villahermosa and near the Carlos Rovirosa Pérez International Airport. The reserve operates under the “Interpretation Center and Coexistence with Nature” modality and aims to promote environmental education and encourage conservation behaviors and protection of species in Tabasco and Mexico.

The Yumká Ecological Reserve
The Yumká Ecological Reserve

The name “Yumká” comes from the Mayan language and means “goblin who cares for the jungle and animals,” which aligns with the reserve’s mission to protect and preserve the natural environment. Visitors to Yumká can admire nearly 1000 specimens of more than 80 species of fauna, which live in various spaces such as the Aviary, Miniaviary, Herpetarium, Monkey Island, Jungle, African Savannah, and Asian Savannah.

The diverse collection of animals housed in Yumká includes elephants, giraffes, zebras, white rhinos, cockatoos, manatees, peacocks, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, pumas, and jaguars. Additionally, the park boasts a rich and varied flora made up of some 250 species, including huapaques, ferns, orchids, and bromeliads. The orchid garden alone has about 43 varieties of this beautiful and exotic family of plants.

Tours of Yumká are guided by expert staff to ensure visitors have an entertaining and safe experience. The reserve’s goal is to provide visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the natural world while also promoting conservation efforts.

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Regional Museum of Anthropology Carlos Pellicer Cámara

The Regional Museum of Anthropology Carlos Pellicer Cámara is a must-see destination for anyone interested in pre-Columbian art and culture. Named after the writer and museographer Carlos Pellicer Cámara, who was born in Villahermosa (then called San Juan Bautista) in 1897, the museum is located on the banks of the Grijalva River in Villahermosa and houses over 10,000 pieces of pre-Hispanic art and culture. This makes it the second most important collection in the country, after the National Museum of Anthropology.

The collection includes objects from various ancient cultures, such as the Olmec, Maya, Nahua, and Zoque. One of the most famous pieces on display is the Estela del Tiempo, or Estela de Tortuguero, which is located in the Mayan Room. This piece indicates the date 13.0.0.0.0 -4 ahau 3 kankin, which is equivalent to December 21st, 2012 in the Gregorian calendar. This date recently became famous for being interpreted as the end of the world according to the Mayan calendar.

Regional Museum of Anthropology Carlos Pellicer Cámara
Regional Museum of Anthropology Carlos Pellicer Cámara

In the Olmeca Room, visitors can admire the colossal head Carita Sonriente (Smiling Face), which was taken from La Venta Park Museum to protect it from the elements, as well as the basalt sculpture Monster Jaguar and axes made of basalt and serpentine. The museum also features exhibitions of pre-Columbian objects from all of Mesoamerica, including the Gulf, Zapotecs, and Mixtecs. In addition to the permanent collection, there are also temporary exhibitions and an auditorium where lectures and special events are held.

The Regional Museum of Anthropology Carlos Pellicer Cámara is one of the best museums in the southeast of the country, and was preceded by the old and heterogeneous Museo de Tabasco in 1952. The poet Carlos Pellicer Cámara organized the collection, adding to his own numerous donations, and opened it to the public as the new Museo Arqueológico de Tabasco.

Years later, the enclosure was insufficient and the construction of the modern building was necessary, promoted by the same poet. However, Pellicer died in February 1977 and could not see his work completed. The museum was finally inaugurated on February 16, 1980, on the third death anniversary of its main maker.

Among our recommendations to visit this space are to know its exhibitions of pre-Hispanic objects, visit its collection of more than 3000 books or attend one of the workshops offered there. However, please note that the museum is closed on Mondays. With several permanent and temporary exhibitions, this place is always something to talk about.

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Carlos Pellicer Cámara House-Museum

The Carlos Pellicer Cámara House-Museum was officially opened on June 11, 1985. The property is the birthplace of the renowned “Poet of America,” Carlos Pellicer Cámara, and is a typical construction of the region from the late 19th century. The house boasts masonry walls and a gabled roof with French tiles, and was acquired by the Government of the State of Tabasco under the leadership of Governor Enrique González Pedrero.

Carlos Pellicer Cámara House-Museum
Carlos Pellicer Cámara House-Museum

The museum is divided into four rooms, each representing 20 years of the life of Carlos Pellicer. In each space, visitors can view a variety of personal objects such as photographs, clothing, shoes, hats, scarves, badges, and other everyday items. The house also showcases pieces of furniture and personal belongings of the poet and his family. A particularly noteworthy attraction is the replica of the small room that Carlos Pellicer had under the stairs of the old Archaeological Museum of Villahermosa.

The purpose of the Carlos Pellicer Cámara House-Museum is to disseminate the life and work of the “Poet of America” in the home where he was born, now converted into a cultural and educational museum.

The museum has four exhibition halls:
The first room on display is the living room of the Pellicer Cámara family, complete with childhood photos of the poet and personal belongings of his mother, Doña Deifilia, such as her sewing materials and fans.

The second room is the most intimate of the house-museum, featuring a dressing table, wardrobes, and clothing belonging to Carlos Pellicer, as well as an urn with an image of the Virgin of the Incarnation, symbolizing the family’s Catholic faith, and the wedding dress of the Poet’s mother.

The third room is dedicated to reading and contains works of universal literature, as well as photographs and personal documents of the poet, and distinctions granted to him, such as Distinguished Citizen of the city of Villahermosa in 1958.

Lastly, the fourth room is a replica of the room that Carlos Pellicer occupied in the old Museum of Tabasco, the first one he founded in the state, with objects placed exactly as he had them in the original location, allowing visitors to feel the presence of this illustrious character.

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Papagayo Interactive Museum

The Papagayo Interactive Museum is a fourth-generation institution that aims to promote the development of children’s intellectual capacity through interactive play and the use of scientific and technological knowledge. The museum offers 123 permanent exhibits that are distributed across five rooms, each with a specific learning objective related to an aspect of daily life for children.

  • Papagayo Interactive Museum
    Papagayo Interactive Museum
    The first room, “Take care” (Nature and Man in Communion), focuses on teaching children about the importance of taking care of nature, and understanding cultural diversity, the development of living beings, and the environment that surrounds us.
  • The second room, “Imagine“, explores different forms of expression of feelings and emotions through art and music.
  • The third room, “Think“, delves into the order and structure of things through science and technology, promoting the conservation of resources.
  • The fourth room, “Live“, focuses on understanding the human body, the importance of taking care of our health, and practicing good hygiene and healthy eating habits.
  • The fifth room, “Play“, is designed for children between the ages of 0 to 5, and allows them to play and learn about art, science, and technology at the same time.

In addition to the interactive exhibits, the museum also offers a braille writing program for children to learn how to write in braille and to develop their sense of touch by exploring topics such as the origin of electricity, the forms of matter, chemical reactions, and the functioning of the heart. Overall, the Papagayo Interactive Museum offers an interactive and educational experience that allows children to have fun while learning important skills and knowledge.

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Tabasco History Museum (House of Tiles)

The Tabasco History Museum, also known as the House of Tiles, is a stunning 19th century mansion located in the historic center of Villahermosa. This beautiful building, located on Avenida 27 de Febrero with Calle Benito Juárez, has a rich history that spans several centuries.

Tabasco History Museum (House of Tiles)
Tabasco History Museum (House of Tiles) – Roberto Sahmkow 2012

Originally constructed in the 1880s, it served as the residence of millionaire José María Graham McGregor, a shop, a government house, and even a hotel before being converted into the headquarters of the Tabasco History Museum in 1985. The building is an architectural marvel, featuring a mix of artistic styles such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Mozarabic, and Mudejar, and it gets its name from the intricate ornamentation of its facades with Catalan ceramics.

The Tabasco History Museum occupies two floors of the House of Tiles, with nine rooms displaying a collection of approximately 400 pieces including furniture, antique objects, weapons, paintings, engravings, altarpieces, coins, medals, and documents. The collection also includes pre-Hispanic artifacts and pieces from the early viceregal era. One of the most notable items in the collection is a document that contains the order of Hernán Cortés for the execution of Aztec nobles Cuauhtémoc and the Lord of Tacuba.

In addition to being a historical monument in its own right, the House of Tiles offers a glimpse into the history of the state of Tabasco through its collection of paintings, trunks, altarpieces, portraits, coins, domestic objects, photographs, weapons, engravings, and decorations. Visitors can learn about the Pre-Hispanic period and the period of the Conquest, Colonization, and Independent Mexico.

Overall, the Tabasco History Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of the region.

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Boat-Restaurant Captain Beuló II

The Boat-Restaurant Captain Beuló II is a replica of the original Captain Beuló, which was once used as a means of transportation for the governor, called “El Jahuactal” and later as a floating health center known as Mensajero de la Salud. Measuring 22 meters in length, 5 meters in width, and 5.5 meters in depth, the boat has a capacity for 100 people.

Boat-Restaurant Captain Beuló II
Boat-Restaurant Captain Beuló II

However, it has been installed in the Papagayo Interactive Museum to teach children from Villahermosa and Tabasco about the past of their city and state, as well as to raise awareness about health and hygiene issues.

The boat offers two-hour tours of the Grijalva River on two different routes: a gastronomic route and a tourist route. The tourist route leads visitors to the most beautiful places along the banks of the Grijalva, including the Majahua Swamps and the bridges, where they can admire representative species of the regional fauna and flora.

The gastronomic route, on the other hand, stops at several picturesque restaurants located on the banks of the river, where visitors can enjoy the best of local cuisine. These restaurants are ideal places to taste a roasted pejelagarto, which is a fish caught fresh in the Grijalva.

The Boat-Restaurant Captain Beuló II offers an unique experience for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Grijalva River and to taste the delicious local cuisine.

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Comalcalco

A city located 56 kilometers northwest of Villahermosa, is the third largest city in the state of Tabasco. The city is well-known for its Mayan archaeological site on its outskirts, which boasts impressive ruins from the 1st century AD, belonging to the classical era of the Mayan civilization.

Comalcalco
Comalcalco

One of the most unique features of the construction of Comalcalco is the use of bricks and stucco made from oyster shells, a resource that was utilized by the Mayan builders due to the scarcity of stones in the area.The bricks found at the Comalcalco site are particularly noteworthy as they feature intricate engravings and decorations, showcasing the impressive artistic abilities of the Mayan people.

In 2011, a significant discovery was made at the site – the so-called “Brick of Comalcalco” was found, which contains a second inscription of the famous Mayan “date of the end of the world”. This inscription is similar to the one preserved in the Carlos Pellicer Cámara Regional Museum of Anthropology.

The Comalcalco archaeological site is spread over an area of 7 square kilometers and comprises several structures, including the North Plaza Complex, the Great Acropolis, the Southwest Plaza, the East Acropolis, and the Cemetery. The North Plaza Complex is made up of four temples, while the Great Acropolis features El Palacio, El Popol Naah, and several other temples and structures.

This site is a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the rich culture and architectural prowess of the ancient Mayan civilization.

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Interactive Chocolate Museum

The DRUPA Interactive Chocolate Museum in Villahermosa, Mexico offers visitors a unique and delicious experience as they delve into the history and process of cocoa and chocolate production. Tabasco, the main cocoa-producing state in Mexico, is home to this interactive museum located in the middle of a cocoa and banana plantation belonging to the DRUPA group in Cunduacán, just 33 km from Villahermosa.

Interactive Chocolate Museum
Interactive Chocolate Museum

During a tour of the farm, visitors will learn about the history of the cocoa fruit and the process it goes through to become chocolate. The interactive aspect of the museum allows visitors to not only observe the process, but also participate in the actual harvest of the cocoa beans.

  • The tour begins in the Quibé room where visitors can learn about the growth, care, and tools used in the cocoa plantations.
  • In the Kcho room, the richness of cocoa in Mexican cuisine is explored, as well as the traditional process for making metate chocolate and preserving traditional techniques.
  • In the Dua room, visitors can taste a variety of cocoa and chocolate creations, showcasing the harmonious pairing of flavors.

Visitors can also explore other cocoa farms in the area, such as Hacienda La Luz, Finca Cholula, and Hacienda Jesús María, which also cater to tourist visits. The DRUPA Interactive Chocolate Museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the historical significance of cocoa in Tabasco and the process it goes through to become the delicious chocolate we all love.

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Tabasco 2000 Planetarium

The Tabasco 2000 Planetarium is an attraction that was opened in 1981 in a building that was designed with inspiration from pre-Hispanic architecture. However, it was constructed using contemporary materials such as aluminum, glass, and concrete, which give the building a unique and harmonious appearance.

Tabasco 2000 Planetarium
Tabasco 2000 Planetarium

The main activity at the Planetarium is the projection of films using the Omnimax system, which allows for larger and higher resolution images than traditional media. The films projected at the Planetarium cover a wide range of topics, including the origin of the Earth, different planet ecosystems, the atmosphere, and outer space.

In addition to the film projections, the Planetarium also features a main lobby with a mural entitled “Magic and History of the Pre-Columbian Mayan Universe,” which was created by the Tabasco artist Daniel Ponce Montuy. The auditorium, which can seat 300 spectators, is also used for workshops and courses related to Mayan sciences, particularly mathematics and astronomy, as well as other cultural aspects of this advanced pre-Hispanic civilization.

Considered one of the best Planetariums in Mexico, the Tabasco 2000 Planetarium is part of the larger urban and architectural complex of the same name. It boasts state-of-the-art technology, such as the star projector that can replicate the night sky at any time of the year and from any location in the world. The Planetarium is also known for being affordable and accessible to the general public, with the goal of promoting and disseminating scientific knowledge.

In comparison to other Planetariums in Mexico, such as those in Puebla, Tijuana, and Monterrey, the Tabasco 2000 Planetarium is considered to be one of the most important. Additionally, in the entrance hall, there are exhibitions on scientific topics, and on the esplanade preceding it, there is an interesting sundial.

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Cathedral of the Lord of Tabasco

The Cathedral of the Lord of Tabasco is a grand and imposing structure that towers over the city of Villahermosa. Its twin fluted towers, each standing at over 80 meters tall, are a topographic reference for the city and feature Corinthian capitals that are characteristic of the temple.

Cathedral of the Lord of Tabasco
Cathedral of the Lord of Tabasco

The cathedral was rebuilt between 1945 and 1970, using the remains of an old 18th century temple that had been dedicated to the Lord of Esquipulas. This temple had undergone remodeling in the 1880s, but was later looted during the Cristero War at the end of the 1920s. The façade of the cathedral is in the unremarkable Baroque style, with three sections and a domed finish.

The interior of the temple is characterized by its sobriety, with a central nave and two sides. The main feature of the interior is the image of the Lord of Tabasco, a Christ on a bronze cross that presides over the main altar.

The temple also features several altarpieces and statues of saints. In the atrium of the temple, there are statues of Pope John Paul II and Bishop José de Jesús del Valle y Navarro, the promoter of the reconstruction of the cathedral.

The Cathedral of the Lord of Tabasco is considered one of the main tourist attractions of Villahermosa. If you’re visiting the city, a tour of this temple is a must-see. It is the main church in Tabasco and welcomes a large number of visitors. If you enjoy visiting churches while traveling, this is definitely a great option. Don’t forget to also take a stroll through the food stalls outside the temple to get a taste of the local Tabasco snacks.

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Church of the Immaculate Conception

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, commonly known as “la Conchita”, is a significant Catholic temple located in the city of Villahermosa. This historical monument was first constructed in 1800 and officially inaugurated on December 8th of that same year. As the oldest church in the city, it holds great significance to the people of Villahermosa and has a rich history to tell.

The church is situated at the southern end of the Plaza de Armas, right in front of the Government Palace. This location has made it a witness to the tumultuous history of the state capital, as it has suffered from pirate attacks and foreign bombings, resulting in the need for several rebuilds over the years.

Church of the Immaculate Conception
Church of the Immaculate Conception

Despite its age and the destruction it has faced, the Immaculate Conception, or “La Conchita”, has remained an important symbol of faith and resilience for the people of Villahermosa. It is located on Allende street at the corner of Independencia de Center, and is now officially recognized as a historical monument by the National Institute of Anthropology and History.

One of the most interesting aspects of the church’s history is that it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The first time was due to pirate invasions that occurred near the Grijalva River, now known as the Malecón Carlos A. Madrazo. The second time was during the North American invasion and the third time was during the anti-Catholic campaigns of Tomás Garrido. The last reconstruction of the temple was done in 1938, after the garridista period.

Another historical curiosity is that the Municipal Palace was built in front of the church, but was later demolished to give the church more visibility. The presbyters of this temple claim that the municipal palace was demolished to expand the Plaza de Armas and to allow the church of “La Conchita” to shine without any obstruction.

Today, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, or “La Conchita,” boasts a decorative style on its façade, the result of its last reconstruction. This church remains an important and historic landmark in the city of Villahermosa, and continues to be a symbol of faith and resilience for the people of this community.

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Isabel Rullán de Izundegui “Siempre Viva” House

The “Siempre Viva”, House located in the heart of Villahermosa, has recently reopened its doors with a new purpose of providing a space for those who are unemployed to sell their products. Paola León de la Peña and her mother Gloria Santos Ledesma are the ones behind this project, which aims to continue the altruistic work of the former owners of the property.

Isabel Rullán de Izundegui "Siempre Viva" House
Isabel Rullán de Izundegui “Siempre Viva” House

The “Siempre Viva” House, an old typical tropical house, was once the home of a tireless cultural promoter and journalist, Mrs. Isabel Rullán de Izundegui. She was a beloved woman in Tabasco, known for her kindness and good treatment towards others, which is why her new generations want the “Siempre Viva” House to continue doing good deeds.

Today, the house offers a variety of items such as handicrafts, bags, jewelry, and Tabasco products. It will also soon have a cafe run by children with Down syndrome, in an effort to showcase the architecture of the property which has been standing for over 100 years. The Siempre Viva House has a rich history, having served as a hotel in the past and hosting famous artists and politicians such as Pedro Infante, Miroslava Šternová Beková, and Adolfo López Mateos.

Despite the passage of time, the house has been able to preserve its original features, including its 115 year old floors, fountain, well, ornaments, semicircular arches, bars and protections from 1953, arches, and high ceilings, making it a unique place that holds the history of Tabasco.

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Esperanza Iris Theater

The Esperanza Iris Theater was officially opened on December 14, 1981, with a grand performance by the Mexico City Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by the renowned maestro Fernando Lozano.

Esperanza Iris Theater
Esperanza Iris Theater

This cultural venue is named after the celebrated Tabasco singer, Esperanza Iris, who was also known as the “Queen of the Operetta” and the “Empress of Grace”. Esperanza Iris was a talented Mexican singer, showgirl, and theater actress, who was born in Villahermosa Tabasco in 1884 and passed away in 1962.

The theater was designed by a team of talented creators, including the advisor, Carmen de Mora, and the engineers Valenti and Frola, who were responsible for the interior design, technical functionality, and acoustics of the theater. The theater covers a surface area of 1,249 square meters.

It is a modern theater with a capacity for 1,227 people, and can host a variety of events. It is divided into two levels, with the first level accommodating 468 people and the second level accommodating 759 people. It features a rotating disc, an orchestra pit, and a waterfall curtain.

The main objective of the Esperanza Iris Theater is to provide a platform for artistic and cultural shows at the state, national and international level, across different branches of the arts, and to keep the inhabitants of the state in touch with the current artistic and cultural events.

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