Ciudad tradicional: Colorful Campeche, Mexico

Campeche was founded in 1540 at the site of an ancient Mayan city named Kimpech. Its location on the Gulf of Mexico made it susceptible to pirate attacks, so a fort and defensive wall were constructed. Much of the original wall remains, and the city within the walls is listed as a World Heritage Site.

This is what the historic section of the city looks like from above. Notice the regular grid plan.


View Larger Map

We'll start off at the square you see in the upper part of the picture.