Tour By Mexico Ž - Villahermosa City Tabasco State, Mexico

Villahermosa

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Villahermosa is the City Capital of the State of Tabasco and is located 863 km from Mexico City by the federal highways 180 and 150 in Mexico.

Villahermosa is an important city because of its industries (cattle, oil, agriculture, commerce and fish). Villahermosa is surrounded by the Grijalva, Carrizal and Mezcalapa Rivers.

One of Villahermosa main attractions is its cultural background. Among the interesting places you can visit are:

Templo de la Concepcion, The idea of building the church arose in 1799, when a Spanish captain promised the inhabitants he would give them a Virgin of the Concepcion. As a result they built a hermitage to house the gift, which arrives a year later. The church was destroyed during the North American invasion of 1846, and rebuilt in 1859. The church was demolished again in 1925, during the religious persecutions, and reconstructed in 1945. It stands opposite the Palacio de Gobierno.
Museo de La Venta (La Venta Museum)
the most important of its kind in Tabasco, is a stunning combination of nature and archaeology. It is divided into two mains sections, one zoological, the other archaeological. The first houses native fauna, such as jaguars and crocodiles. The second display ancient Olmec monuments. There are 33 sculptures: altars, steal and colossal heads, carved from basalt and other volcanic rocks. Before beginning the tour of the monuments., visit the Hall of Archaeology with exhibitions on Olmec life.
Stela 1 ( Young Goddess ). A woman is represented on this monument which is rare in Olmec ert. She is placed in a big niche. On the upper part, the eyes, eyebrows and large mouth of the jaguar can be discerned. 251 x 79 x 66 cm.
Stela 2 ( Of the King ). The central figure on this stela wears a large headdress and carries a staff of command. Six flying figures wearing different headdress and also carrying staffs of command frame the scene. They are perhaps ancestors. 257 x 209 x 90 cm.
Mosaic ( Large Mask ). There were three mosaics worked in serpentine stone, and they were buried as part of the massive offerings, including several tons of green-stone, which were found on the La Venta archaeological site. They from the outline of a face with a cloven head. 462 x 470 cm.
Altar 1 ( Feline Altar ). The face represented on this altar is of a supernatural being with flaming eyebrows. Jaguar claws are symbolically represented on the sides. 185 x 265 x 280 cm.
Altar 3 ( Dialogue Altar ). The theme of a priest emerging from the depths of the earth is repeated on this altar. Although it is fairly eroded, on one side two bearded individuals can be recognized. They are sitting in an attitude suggesting a discussion. At the front there is one other man . 160 x 319 cm.
Altar 4 ( Triumphal Altar ). The outline of a jaguar heads is notable on the upper cornice of this altar. What are the fangs, eyes and other symbols of the animal can also be discerned. The principal figure with a headdress in the form of a harpy eagle emerges from a niche and holds a cord with which he restrains another person. 160 x 319 cm.
Altar 5 ( Altar of the children ). The is one of the most beautiful and complex monuments in olmec art. As with the large headdress emerges from a cave or entrance to the underworld, and carries a child, possibly dead, in his arms. On the sides of the monuments are four seated men with curious headdresses, each carrying a child whose attitudes are in contrast to that of the principal child. Each of these children has deformed head and is in full movement. 154 x 190 x 170 cm.
Altar 6 ( Quadrangular Altar ). The theme of the altars - a person emerging from a cave - is seen here, though poorly developed in comparison to the quality of the sculpture in other monuments. 144 x 137 x 66 cm.
Altar 7 ( Altar of the owls ). Only the head of a figure rising from a cave is represented on this altar. It is badly damaged but it can be seen that it wears a mouth-mask like a beak. Various human figures and some well as several owl heads, and part of their wings and claws. 120 x 175 cm.
Monument 1 ( The Warrior ). This head is the best conserved of the tour which were found in la venta, which may have been portraits of rules. The helmet is adorned with three petals and a u shaped motif. 241 x 225 x 221 cm.
Monument 4 ( The Old Warrior ). The colossal heads numbers 2, 3 and 4 were found in the central ceremonial area of La Venta city (Group A). On this head the helmet decoration bears a claw, possibly of a harpy eagle, a bird which was frequently portrayed by the Olmecs.
Monument 20 ( Dolphin ). Until now, this is the only Known case of a representation of a dolphin in Olmec art. Its body is decorated with a series of geometric designs. 35 x 65 x 187 cm.
Monument 56 ( Monkey looking at the sky ). This is known as the "monkey looking at the sky" because of its posture, although it was probably incorporated horizontally to a building. 124 x 54 x 43 cm.
Monument 59 ( Jaguar Altar ). This small altar bears the representation of a being whose torso is human, while the mouth and eyes feline. The nose is human and the rest of the body is of a jaguar. 95 x 65 x 113 cm.
Monument 60 ( Child Jaguar ). As in many other olmecan sculptures, this one mixes human and animal features, forming over natural creature images. 61 x 51cm.
Monument 63, This monument represents a bearded man wearing a headdress with a lace. He holds a large standard with the affigy of an animal whose ventral and dorsal fins, jaw and teeth, identify it as a shark. 256 x 75 x 45cm.
Monument 65 ( The contortionist ). The disproportionate nature of the head in relation to the limbs; the hands beneath the chin an acrobat or contortionist. 66 x 49cm.
Monument 77 ( The Governor ). This monument is extraordinary for the symbolism it contains, for its excellent state of conservation, and for the quality of its sculpture. The figure is decorated with cruciform emblems on the chest and belt. lateral decorations emerge from the divided headdress and some of its hair at the back. The cape is decorated with horizontal bands. 104 x 71 cm.
Plaza de Armas (Main Square). The plaza, is a pleasant spot where locals got to chat go to listen to music at the weekend. It overlooks the Grijalva river and the boats that ferry to and fro across the river. There is a pedestrian bridge from the plaza to the opposite bank. From the viewing tower on bridge there are stunning vistas of the river.
Regional Museum of Anthropology Carlos Pellicer. Visitors to the museums are greeted by the smile of a gigantic Olmec face. The tour begins with displays of ancient artifacts hailing from Tlatilco and Teotihuacan, followed by the Totonacs from the Gulf coast, Zapotecs and Mixtecs from Oaxaca and Mexica from the central highlands. The first floor is devoted to the two ancient cultures who settled in Tabasco: The Olmec and the Maya. The mezzanine showcases the museum's finest pieces, including the exquisite "Pellicer goblet".

Other attractions in Villahermosa are:

Tabasco History Museum, One of the most beautiful buildings in Villahermosa, known as the "House of Tiles" is the Regional History Museum, set in the middle of the Zona Luz. On display are a variety of tiles imported from Barcelona, as well as objects representing the history of the state and the life of years gone by. In showcases two 18th century oil paintings, an anonymous one depicting St. Anthony of Padua, and other one showing "The Divine Visage".
The Popular Culture Museum, Right in the center of the city, on calle Zaragoza, stands the Popular Culture Museum, which showcases the handicrafts and cultural expressions of the state's ethnic group. The museum display carved gourds from Jalpa de Mendez, together with a variety of Tabasco costumes, such as those worn by the Pocho dancers in Tenosique, and at carnival time, those of the Caballito Blanco dance.
The La Polvora Lagoon where there is a park with:
Artificial waterfalls
Lookouts
Palapas
Games for children
Snack bars
Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace). As in Spanish cities, Government House is located in the main square or Plaza de Armas, in a building inaugurated. Built in a sober neo-classical style, its main features include a staircase made from local hardwoods, and the ironwork of the stair and grilles, the bronze locks, polished glass and furniture, all of which were imported from France.
Catedral de Nuestro Seńor de Tabasco (Cathedral). Its towers can be seen from virtually any point in the city and although construction began in 1963 and as yet to be completed, the cathedral has an architectural force that distinguishes it from other buildings. The forerunner of the cathedral was the Iglesia del Seńor de Esquipulas, built in 1976 and destroyed between 1928 and 1934.
The Tomas Garrido Park
Laguna de las Ilusiones (The Illusions Lagoon)
The Corregidora Square
The Tabasco 2000, Villahermosa's most modern district dates from the late 1970s and early 1980s, and is traversed by the Carrizal river. The city hall and the state Administrative Center are located here, along with residential areas, a shopping center, offices, a golf course, the Planetarium, the Convention Center, four and five-star hotels and restaurants.
Parque Tabasco. With its attractive lagoon and extensive gardens, this 108-hectare park is one of the most important in the country, in terms of infrastructure. There are three service zones, exhibition areas, a livestock hall, open-air theater cockfight arena, a dolphinarium and car parks. Parque Tabasco plays host to the annual Feria Tabasco, the state's huge fair.
The Planetarium, Its main objective is to disseminate scientific theories, as well as the arts, for which it has sophisticated projection equipment. Visitors can also admire the striking mural by the Tabascan painter Daniel Ponce Montuy depicting the mythological world of the Maya.
CICOM Area Olmec & Maya Research Center, One the banks of the Grijalva, not far from the Zona Luz, is CICOM, an area housing the Jose Garostiza Art Center, where acting and dance classes are given, among other activities, the Esperanza Iris Theater and a commercial area. It is also the site of the Carlos Pellicer Regional Anthropology & History Museum and the CEIBA Art School.
You can also take a one-day tour into the Captain Beulo boat on the Grijalva river, where the best regional cuisine from the State as well as International food can be tasted
Zona Luz (Light Zone). A good place the begin your tour is the so-called Zona Luz, the heart of the city. its inhabitants unhurriedly as well as its late 19th century and early 20th century buildings. Calle Juarez, the main avenue, is tree-lined and has park benches where you can have a rest and enjoy the tropical atmosphere. The Zona Luz has a wide selection of open-air cafes, arts galleries and museums.

In Villahermosa La Feria del Desarrollo (the Development Fair) is celebrated in April with an exhibition of the main production of the State. During this fair takes place the election of "La Flor Mas Bella de Tabasco" (the Most Beautiful Pageant of the State).

More Photos (Click camera icon)

Cueva de las Canicas	Catedral	Interior Catedral	La Venta 1	La Venta 2
La Venta 3	Museum Piece La Venta	Museum Piece La Venta	Villahermosa Paronamic View

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