Culture of Placentia Village. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The southern part of the city is the most interesting area for tourists as this territory is rich in interesting architectural and historical objects. Start your observation of the city with a visit to the Governor’s House. In the past, it was the main residence of the British governor. Later, it became a community center. Nowadays, the house regularly hosts a number of events, from concerts and celebrations to art exhibitions. The Governor’s House was built in 1814 and has survived till our days in almost pristine condition. The historical part of the city is also the location of the most beautiful park – Battlefield Park that is perfect for walking and cycling, as well as a picnic with kids.

There is a colorful street market not far away from the park where tourists will find many interesting souvenirs, crafts, and antiquities. The Supreme Court building and the so-called “Institute of Happiness” are also popular architectural landmarks of the region. During a walk in the historical quarters of the city, tourists will see many attractive houses that were built in different periods of time. Now, they have become a real treasure of this wonderful city.

The Saint John Church is the most prominent landmark of the Old Belize. The building of this Anglican church took place in the middle of the 19th century. Nowadays, it is considered the oldest building of this type in Central America. There is one more important landmark not far away from the church - Yarborough Cemetery that is a fabulous place from an architectural point of view. The northern part of the city is also incredibly rich in areas that are worth exploring. Vacationers will find it very exciting to attend the Marine Terminal that is open in one of the beautiful historical buildings. Initially, a fire station was open in that building. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There are also attractive buildings that belong to the colonial period, and the famous Paslow Building is one of them. Wood was the main building material for the house, and this fact makes it even more unusual and precious. The Maritime Museum remains the most frequently visited cultural venue of the city. It’s a great place where visitors can see a fantastic collection of old documents and tiny ship models. Fans of art will find it more interesting to attend the Image Factory Gallery, in which modern sculptors and artists show their latest works.

An excursion in the Museum of Belize is a fantastic way to get acquainted with the history of the city. Moreover, the museum is open in an incredibly beautiful colonial building that dates back to 1857. Without a doubt, Placencia is a fantastic destination for tourists who like natural landmarks and outdoor activities. This region is not deprived of excellent beaches and wonderful nature parks, but in order to explore cultural landmarks, tourists will need to drive to them together with a guide. Luckily, there are many companies in the town that offer different tours that can last from several hours to a couple of days.

Xunantunich is one of the main archaeological landmarks of the country, so it would be a mistake to enjoy a vacation in Belize and not to visit the gorgeous site of the Ancient Mayan culture. The landmark is located on a scenic ridge above the Mopan River. In the past, this was an important Mayan ceremonial center, so tourists will see a traditional Mayan pyramid and many other interesting constructions. When the Mayan civilization was blooming, almost 200,000 people lived in Xunantunich. The name of the landmark literally means “Sculpture of Lady” if translated from the Mayan language. Visitors of the landmark still can see traditional small houses and ancient Mayan farms. Tourists, who are interested in other Mayan landmarks this region, are recommended to pay their attention to Chaa Creek, Buenavista del Cayo, and Cahal Pech.

The country of Belize is known as a habitat for Maya Indians. Throughout its territory you can find ancient monuments dating back to the era of their settlement in the territory. There are quite a lot of such monuments in the vicinity of the capital of the state, since the ruins of the city of Altun-Ha testifying to the past greatness of the Maya, are located nearby. There is no way to get inside the pyramids, but you can climb up and behold a beautiful panorama – nature here is impressive. The terrain here is so unique that it would be very difficult to find something similar.

Next to Belize City in the southwest, is also situated the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve – a network of limestone caves that are very interesting to explore since they have a high archaeological value. The caves envelop beautiful trees and unique plants. You can swim here in the clear wide Caves Branch River. The cave is about one kilometer in length. Inside the grotto is very dark, so it is impossible to do without luminous devices, which are usually provided on excursions. Visiting such a place is just a dream come true for someone who wants to see the most beautiful places in Belize.

Lamanai Archaeological Reserve also has high architectural value. It is located at the creek of the New River, in the north-west of the city. This is an abandoned Mayan city of Lamanai (in translation means “the city of a diving crocodile”). You will have to make your way through the jungle somehow, and unfortunately, you cannot reach this place by car, only by boat. However, the path itself gives a lot of pleasure. Climbing up to the ancient pyramids, stunning views of the river and the jungle will become visible to beholders. The combination of nature and antiquity here is just perfect, so you should definitely not miss an opportunity to take a tour of the place.

A few words should also be said about the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary nature reserve, where you can watch unique animals, as well as see hundreds of natural attractions of Belize. Let us not forget that the country is generously endowed with nature. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary nature reserve is located near the above mentioned abandoned Mayan city. Among the interesting museums in Belize City, it is worth mentioning the Luba Garifuna Museum, where you can get acquainted with the culture of the Garifuna people. The exhibits here include lots of artifacts and handmade products – to be precise, works by the representatives of this people. Also worth noting are some places excellent for walk, like the Port Loyola Park and Memorial Park.