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taboo5 | profile | all galleries >> Honduras >> Tegucigalpa, Honduras (May 2007) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Tegucigalpa, Honduras (May 2007)

Tegucigalpa, Honduras' capital since 1880, got its name from the ancient Nahuatl language. It means "silver mountain" since, during colonial times, Tegucigalpa was a silver mining center. Tegucigalpa's silver mining past is reflected by the hilliness of the city and by its haphazard streets which wind around. Today, Tegucigalpa is a modern metropolis. It is 3,000 feet above sea level and is known for it's good weather and colonial architecture.
Tegucigalpa, Honduras cover page.
Tegucigalpa, Honduras cover page.		 Map of Honduras with star indicating Tegucigalpa.
Map of Honduras with star indicating Tegucigalpa.		 View of the downtown of Tegucigalpa from Parque La Leona.
View of the downtown of Tegucigalpa from Parque La Leona.		 Parque La Leona is a very pleasant park with nice views and walking paths.
Parque La Leona is a very pleasant park with nice views and walking paths.
Teenagers walking in Parque La Leona.
Teenagers walking in Parque La Leona.		 Schoolboys taking a break in the park.
Schoolboys taking a break in the park.		 This monument to Manuel Bonilla stands in in Parque La Leona.
This monument to Manuel Bonilla stands in in Parque La Leona.		 He was a general and magistrate of Honduras who was renowned for upholding its laws.
He was a general and magistrate of Honduras who was renowned for upholding its laws.
The 16th century Iglesia de San Francisco was the first church built in Tegucigalpa. It has undergone a lot of restoration.
The 16th century Iglesia de San Francisco was the first church built in Tegucigalpa. It has undergone a lot of restoration.		 In front of the Iglesia de San Francisco, is the quaint Parque Valle named after Jose Cecilio Valle (1780-1834).
In front of the Iglesia de San Francisco, is the quaint Parque Valle named after Jose Cecilio Valle (1780-1834).		 He was Honduras' version of Ben Franklin and was instrumental in obtaining Honduras' independence.
He was Honduras' version of Ben Franklin and was instrumental in obtaining Honduras' independence.		 Interior courtyard of the colonial Biblioteca Nacional (National Library) in Tegucigalpa.
Interior courtyard of the colonial Biblioteca Nacional (National Library) in Tegucigalpa.
It was originally constructed in 1757 for processing and storing gold and silver. Later, it served as the national mint.
It was originally constructed in 1757 for processing and storing gold and silver. Later, it served as the national mint.		 It is rumored to have also been a brothel for revolutionary soldiers during the fight for independence in the 19th century.
It is rumored to have also been a brothel for revolutionary soldiers during the fight for independence in the 19th century.		 Façade of St. Michael's Cathedral. It was built in 1756.
Façade of St. Michael's Cathedral. It was built in 1756.		 St. Michael the Archangel is considered to be the patron saint of Tegucigalpa.
St. Michael the Archangel is considered to be the patron saint of Tegucigalpa.
Pigeons have found the columns of the St. Michael's Cathedral to be a perfect place to perch!
Pigeons have found the columns of the St. Michael's Cathedral to be a perfect place to perch!		 I captured this pigeon in flight when I got this close-up picture of St. Michael's Cathedral!
I captured this pigeon in flight when I got this close-up picture of St. Michael's Cathedral!		 In front of St. Michael's Cathedral is Parque Central, which is a hub of activity in Tegucigalpa.
In front of St. Michael's Cathedral is Parque Central, which is a hub of activity in Tegucigalpa.		 Another view of Parque Central with St. Michael's Cathedral in the background.
Another view of Parque Central with St. Michael's Cathedral in the background.
On the right side of St. Michael's Cathedral is this gate with beautiful ironwork.
On the right side of St. Michael's Cathedral is this gate with beautiful ironwork.		 Close-up of the gate.
Close-up of the gate.		 View of the exquisite interior of St. Michael's Cathedral.
View of the exquisite interior of St. Michael's Cathedral.		 Note the detailed gold carvings behind the baroque altar.
Note the detailed gold carvings behind the baroque altar.
Statue in Parque Central of Francisco Morazan on horseback. He was Honduras' hero of independence.
Statue in Parque Central of Francisco Morazan on horseback. He was Honduras' hero of independence.		 A simple but beautiful fountain in Parque Central with people behind it.
A simple but beautiful fountain in Parque Central with people behind it.		 This first aid station was set up in Parque Central.
This first aid station was set up in Parque Central.		 Honduran men passing time together in Parque Central.
Honduran men passing time together in Parque Central.
Beautiful lamppost that I saw in the square in front of Tegucigalpa's National Gallery of Art.
Beautiful lamppost that I saw in the square in front of Tegucigalpa's National Gallery of Art.		 Close-up of the lamppost.
Close-up of the lamppost.		 I was also impressed by this religious plaque saying peace and blessing and by the lamp over it.
I was also impressed by this religious plaque saying "peace and blessing" and by the lamp over it.		 Façade of the National Gallery of Art in Tegucigalpa.
Façade of the National Gallery of Art in Tegucigalpa.
Entrance of the National Gallery Art. It was built as a convent in 1654, and, later, it became Honduras University.
Entrance of the National Gallery Art. It was built as a convent in 1654, and, later, it became Honduras University.		 The central courtyard of the recently renovated National Gallery Art. In the center of the courtyard is a well.
The central courtyard of the recently renovated National Gallery Art. In the center of the courtyard is a well.		 Doorway from one of the interior galleries looking out from the 2nd floor into the courtyard.
Doorway from one of the interior galleries looking out from the 2nd floor into the courtyard.		 An example of pre-Columbian art at the the National of Gallery Art.
An example of pre-Columbian art at the the National of Gallery Art.
A primitive stone carving of an animal head.
A primitive stone carving of an animal head.		 An interesting wooden sculpture at the National of Gallery Art.
An interesting wooden sculpture at the National of Gallery Art.		 A beautiful jeweled metal artifact at the museum.
A beautiful jeweled metal artifact at the museum.		 This macabre painting at the National Gallery of Art. is entitled, Temptation.
This macabre painting at the National Gallery of Art. is entitled, "Temptation."
A surrealistic looking painting at the museum.
A surrealistic looking painting at the museum.		 Another surrealistic looking painting at the National Gallery of Art (perhaps, a Honduran takeoff on Henri Rousseau).
Another surrealistic looking painting at the National Gallery of Art (perhaps, a Honduran takeoff on Henri Rousseau).		 View of a domed building (with lots of electrical wires) from a window at the National Gallery of Art.
View of a domed building (with lots of electrical wires) from a window at the National Gallery of Art.		 Also, from the window, I saw this demonstration that was going on.
Also, from the window, I saw this demonstration that was going on.
Check out the guy in drag in the pickup truck!
Check out the guy in drag in the pickup truck!		 Close-up of some of the demonstrators.
Close-up of some of the demonstrators.		 Diffferent groups of people were engaged in conversation.
Diffferent groups of people were engaged in conversation.		 From these signs, it appears that the protestors were Honduran producers (manufacturers).
From these signs, it appears that the protestors were Honduran producers (manufacturers).
Another group of people and a man with a megaphone.
Another group of people and a man with a megaphone.		 This man brought his children to the demonstration.
This man brought his children to the demonstration.		 There were a lot of umbrellas there that day, most likely for the sun since it was sunny.
There were a lot of umbrellas there that day, most likely for the sun since it was sunny.		 These people were watching the demonstration from the sideline of the park bench.
These people were watching the demonstration from the sideline of the park bench.
A pickup truck loaded with people and a man going by with a hand cart.
A pickup truck loaded with people and a man going by with a hand cart.		 Close-up of the pickup truck and of the man with the hand cart.
Close-up of the pickup truck and of the man with the hand cart.		 To the side of the demonstration, these police were standing by in case trouble ensued.
To the side of the demonstration, these police were standing by in case trouble ensued.		 After leaving, I passed by these two women outside of the National Gallery of Art.
After leaving, I passed by these two women outside of the National Gallery of Art.
View of the downtown of Tegucigalpa from Parque Naciones Unidas (United Nations) at El Picacho.
View of the downtown of Tegucigalpa from Parque Naciones Unidas (United Nations) at El Picacho.		 View of the Honduran Maya Hotel (where I stayed) from Parque Naciones Unidas.
View of the Honduran Maya Hotel (where I stayed) from Parque Naciones Unidas.		 Panoramic view of Tegucigalpa from Parque Naciones Unidas, which overlooks the city.
Panoramic view of Tegucigalpa from Parque Naciones Unidas, which overlooks the city.		 Parque Naciones Unidas is very pleasant with nice gardens and artifacts such as this Mayan-looking sculpture.
Parque Naciones Unidas is very pleasant with nice gardens and artifacts such as this Mayan-looking sculpture.
This is one of the landscaped gardens found in Parque Naciones Unidas.
This is one of the landscaped gardens found in Parque Naciones Unidas.		 Pathway leading to an interesting structure in Parque Naciones Unidas.
Pathway leading to an interesting structure in Parque Naciones Unidas.		 I am not sure what this is: a fountain, a sundial or a sculpture, maybe?
I am not sure what this is: a fountain, a sundial or a sculpture, maybe?		 A rustic looking stone wall in Parque Naciones Unidas with the statue, Cristo del Picacho, behind it.
A rustic looking stone wall in Parque Naciones Unidas with the statue, Cristo del Picacho, behind it.
This woman was sweeping up pine needles and burning them.
This woman was sweeping up pine needles and burning them.		 This Honduran man was taking a break on the wall. He was in the line of the smoke, though.
This Honduran man was taking a break on the wall. He was in the line of the smoke, though.		 A picture of me in Parque Naciones Unidas pointing to the view of Tegucigalpa below.
A picture of me in Parque Naciones Unidas pointing to the view of Tegucigalpa below.		 I am pretending to fall in this picture.
I am pretending to fall in this picture.
Looking up at Cristo del Picacho. In English, it means Christ of the Peak.
Looking up at Cristo del Picacho. In English, it means "Christ of the Peak."		 Cristo del Picacho was completed in 1997. It is similar to Sugar Loaf in Rio de Janeiro.
Cristo del Picacho was completed in 1997. It is similar to "Sugar Loaf" in Rio de Janeiro.		 This plaque refers to Christ raising his hands to the sky in benediction.
This plaque refers to Christ raising his hands to the sky in benediction.		 These stairs pass from Cristo del Picacho to some gardens in Parque Naciones Unidas.
These stairs pass from Cristo del Picacho to some gardens in Parque Naciones Unidas.
Some of the landscaping in Parque Naciones Unidas.
Some of the landscaping in Parque Naciones Unidas.		 It has a rustic feel to it.
It has a rustic feel to it.		 A concrete and stone bridge in Parque Naciones Unidas.
A concrete and stone bridge in Parque Naciones Unidas.		 Notice the lion carving in the stone wall.
Notice the lion carving in the stone wall.
A sign for Plaza Confucio in Parque Naciones Unidas.
A sign for Plaza Confucio in Parque Naciones Unidas.		 Statue of Confucius in Parque Naciones Unidas.
Statue of Confucius in Parque Naciones Unidas.		 The statue of Confucius was a gift of Taiwan which has been a big benefactor of Honduras.
The statue of Confucius was a gift of Taiwan which has been a big benefactor of Honduras.		 Close-up of the Confucius statue.
Close-up of the Confucius statue.
As I was leaving Parque Naciones Unidas, I ran into a vendor who had this monkey.
As I was leaving Parque Naciones Unidas, I ran into a vendor who had this monkey.		 Façade of the Chapel of Suyapa, the older church built in in 1777 in honor of Suyapa, the patron saint of Honduras.
Façade of the Chapel of Suyapa, the older church built in in 1777 in honor of Suyapa, the patron saint of Honduras.		 Interior of the Chapel of Suyapa.
Interior of the Chapel of Suyapa.		 Statue of Virgin Suyapa in the chapel. A peasant allegedly found the original 6 cm statue (1747). Later, she was made a saint.
Statue of Virgin Suyapa in the chapel. A peasant allegedly found the original 6 cm statue (1747). Later, she was made a saint.
In the 1950s a large Basilica was built next to the chapel.
In the 1950s a large Basilica was built next to the chapel.		 Pope John Paul II conducted mass at the Basilica of Suyapo.
Pope John Paul II conducted mass at the Basilica of Suyapo.		 Interior of the Basilica of Suyapo.
Interior of the Basilica of Suyapo.		 View of the ceiling of the Basilica of Suyapo with a hole leading to a dome.
View of the ceiling of the Basilica of Suyapo with a hole leading to a dome.
Some of the beautiful stained glass windows of the Basilica of Suyapo.
Some of the beautiful stained glass windows of the Basilica of Suyapo.		 Some of the stained glass windows are traditional, and some are more modern like this one.
Some of the stained glass windows are traditional, and some are more modern like this one.		 These beautiful windows line the entire length of the basilica.
These beautiful windows line the entire length of the basilica.		 This stained glass window represents the Eye of God.
This stained glass window represents the "Eye of God".
Here are two spectacular stained glass windows side by side.
Here are two spectacular stained glass windows side by side.		 The chandeliers in the Basilica of Suyapo reflected some of the vibrant colors off of the stained glass windows.
The chandeliers in the Basilica of Suyapo reflected some of the vibrant colors off of the stained glass windows.		 View of a chandelier in front of the stained glass windows.
View of a chandelier in front of the stained glass windows.		 I took this photo from the back of the basilica. It is very expansive in size.
I took this photo from the back of the basilica. It is very expansive in size.
I stayed at the Honduras Maya Hotel in Tegucigalpa. It is located on the top of a hill.
I stayed at the Honduras Maya Hotel in Tegucigalpa. It is located on the top of a hill.		 Sign for the Honduras Maya Hotel with flags.
Sign for the Honduras Maya Hotel with flags.		 The Honduras Maya Hotel has really wonderful Mayan art such as this fountain in front.
The Honduras Maya Hotel has really wonderful Mayan art such as this fountain in front.		 Close-up of the fountain.
Close-up of the fountain.
Most of the Mayan art is in front of the hotel such as this one.
Most of the Mayan art is in front of the hotel such as this one.		 Another interesting Mayan sculpture at the Honduras Maya Hotel.
Another interesting Mayan sculpture at the Honduras Maya Hotel.		 More Mayan art in front of the hotel.
More Mayan art in front of the hotel.		 This Mayan statue is offset by the slate tiles behind it.
This Mayan statue is offset by the slate tiles behind it.
This Mayan sculpture is located in the lobby of the Honduras Maya Hotel.
This Mayan sculpture is located in the lobby of the Honduras Maya Hotel.

comment | share
Guest 19-May-2010 14:25
Great Maya!
Guest 22-Apr-2010 00:40
cool
Shirley Smith 15-Oct-2007 23:20
My daughter is there this week staying at Minister Suites and her first note about working with the hospital there wasn't the most favorable. Thank you for the beautiful pictures. She went to Suyapa today but has had several moments of shock so far on her trip.
Guest 06-Jul-2007 20:55
Nice pic.
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