ON JULY 20th, GRACIAS CELEBRATES THE NATIONAL HEROE LEMPIRA.
The city of Gracias in the department of Lempira is a small but wonderful place that makes all its visitors fall in love. Its stone streets and cobblestone houses makes Gracias a magical and charming city that overflows with nature and culture. There is no clear founder of the first Gracias, called Gracias a Dios, however it has been attributed to the Spanish captain Juan de Chávez in 1536. Some historians indicate otherwise, that the first Gracias a Dios was founded by Gonzálo de Alvarado by order of his brother Pedro de Alvarado. Six months later, in January 1537, they resettled in Mongual where the second foundation took place, but because of the geographical problem a third and final relocation was made in 1539, this definitive place is what is now known as Gracias. The city is located in Western Honduras, at the foot of the Celaque Mountain. This charming city is gradually becoming an emblematic place in the country. With its four magnificent churches, colonial haciendas and cobbled streets, Gracias has an incomparable architectural wealth. The city is the center of the tourist association called COLOSUCA, which means “bird of beautiful plumage”. It is essential to visit the Galeano House, the historical museum of the city; take a tour of its historic center and finish in the Fort of San Cristóbal, then arrive at La Campa, the most representative municipality of the commonwealth. Here you find the San Matias de La Campa Church, part of the 30 Wonders of Honduras, with the patron saint Matías. Gracias and its growing touristic activity has been a stepping stone for the opening of hotels, restaurants and exciting outdoor activities.