Sights in Colima
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Palacio de Gobierno & Museum
Next to the cathedral is the Palacio de Gobierno, built between 1884 and 1904. Local artist Jorge Chávez Carrillo painted the stairway murals to celebrate the 200th birthday of independence hero Miguel Hidalgo, who was once parish priest of Colima. The murals honor freedom fighters, the feminine, the indigenous roots and the beautiful land of Mexico.
There's a great collection of pottery in the first floor museum including some from 1500 BC and check out the case of ten ceramic frogs estimated by UCLA archaeologists to date from 600AD.
reviewed
-
B
La Campana
The low, pyramid-like structures at this modest archaeological site date from as early as 1500 BC. They have been excavated and restored, along with a small tomb and a ball court (unusual in western Mexico). The structures are oriented due north toward Volcán de Fuego, which makes an impressive backdrop on clear days. It’s about 5km north of Colima city and easily accessible by buses 7 and 22; taxis cost M$30.
reviewed
-
C
Cathedral
Light floods the cathedral from the dome windows of this would-be relic on the east side of Plaza Principal (also known as Jardín Libertad). It has been rebuilt several times since the Spanish first erected a cathedral here in 1527, most recently after the 1941 earthquake. So it's too new to offer old-world soul, but it remains a focal point of the community.
reviewed
-
D
Museo Regional de Historia de Colima
The excellent Museo Regional de Historia de Colima has an extensive collection of well-labeled artifacts spanning the region’s history, from ancient pottery to conquistadors’ armor to a 19th-century horse-drawn carriage. Don’t miss the ceramic xoloitzcuintles (Colima dogs) or the walk-through, mock tomb excavation.
reviewed
-
E
Teatro Hidalgo
The Teatro Hidalgo was built in neo-classical style between 1871 and 1883 on a site originally donated to the city by Miguel Hidalgo. The theater was destroyed by the earthquakes of 1932 and 1941 and rebuilt once more in 1961. It offers a full schedule of cultural events, from dance performances to classical concerts.
reviewed
-
F
Pinacoteca Universitaria Alfonso Michel
This beautiful museum, in a 19th-century courtyard building, offers four halls filled with surrealist art. Included are a permanent collection of paintings by Colima's Alfonso Michel - a cross between Picasso and Dalí and works by other Mexican artists, like Alfonso Cabrera and Richard Rocha.
reviewed
-
G
Museo Universitario de Artes Populares
Folk art lovers will be in heaven at this university about 1km north of Plaza Principal. On display is a stellar collection of masks, mojigangas (giant puppets that dance in parades), musical instruments, baskets and wood and ceramic sculpture from every state in Mexico.
reviewed
-
H
Parque Piedra Lisa
East of the city center, Parque Piedra Lisa is named after its mythical Sliding Stone. Legend says that visitors who slide on this stone will some day return to Colima, to marry…or die!
reviewed
