7 Colonial Cities for the Historian

PHOTO: Granada, Nicaragua carries on its old-world charm into today.

Looking for a city dressed in colonial-era décor?  Well we have seven of them that provide a great taste of history and such architectural beauty you’ll be begging for more. 

Colonial cities are all the rage for tourists interested in venturing into the heritage of a destination, and with touches of classic pieces dominating their landscapes, they add a bit if mystic to their beautiful facades.  When you can be blessed with the fragrance of the past, why not discover the traditions and culture of these cities that aim to never lose their antique appeal?

Morelia, Mexico

From the ancient buildings lining its paved, narrow streets, Morelia takes great pride in preserving its colonial splendor — and for that we must show our appreciation by paying the city a visit. Morelia, the capital of the State of Michoacán is a breath of fresh air for travelers intrigued by the colorful Mexican culture. 

Around every corner the city exudes Mexico with wonderful smells of cocoa floating deliciously through the air in the morning to the hustle of chefs pouring their heart into mouthwatering cuisine by day. Travelers can also take home a bit of the city with them by purchasing a souvenir from its local shops. 

However, it is its pink quarry features that never fails to impress.  Whether it’s the aqueduct that is fashioned with more than 250 arches or Morelia’s Cathedral which boasts various styles of neoclassical and baroque decorations, the city is a pleasant feast for the eyes.

Salta, Argentina

Carved into Argentina’s Lerma Valley is a treasure trove gleaming with colonial jewels.  This unbelievable destination is Salta, where its impressive architectural masterpieces give it a unique quality that always stays with the traveler even long after he has left.  And with idyllic weather to match, Salta’s luxuries all come to life from the foothills of the Andes.

The soul of its colonial past is still present throughout the city.  It is dynamically etched into the mountains, buzzes along its streets and mirrored on the façade of houses and iconic attractions. In order to capture an eyeful of its colonial-era style, visit the Cathedral of Salta, which flaunts an impressive neo-classical coat as well as the Cabildo, an 18^th century centerpiece.

Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos Islands

Whether on land or under the sea, the adventures of Cockburn Town are inescapable, and its residents wouldn’t have it any other way. Even below the shore is a sight to behold with many shipwrecks that are remnants of its past as they decorate the seabed. 

Nevertheless, Cockburn Town’s beach life is not the only pleasure tourists can explore.  The spirit of the town’s Bermudian colonial heritage can be spotted along streets like Front Street and Duke Street, and its many buildings decked in white also inch the traveler steps closer into Cockburn’s Town rich history.

Granada, Nicaragua

There’s no doubt that Granada, Nicaragua profoundly stands on a rich heritage. Just exploring the many buildings dotted along its landscape is proof of that the city cherishes its colonial period, which has drawn many tourists who specifically come to appreciate it as well.

Not to confuse the city with the Spanish town, although it has adopted its name, Granada stands on its own as a city offering a wealth of buzzing activity encompassing its center that is so marvelously sprayed with the fragrance from the past, you may actually think the city is a time capsule. 

Even art galleries and restaurants honor Granada’s culture with traditional foods and artworks that are equally charming. And if you’re looking for natural splendor, Granada has that too.  A dormant volcano silently sleeps here and the Lake Nicaragua dazzlingly sparkles at its feet.

 Williamsburg, VA

No visit to Williamsburg is complete without visiting Colonial Williamsburg, which acts as an open history book filled with age-old legends that are concealed inside of its 18^th century buildings.

Each street tells its own story, including the Governor’s Palace which was once the home of Thomas Jefferson, the Royal Governors in addition to other important figures. The Bruton Parish Church also sits in Colonial Williamsburg, and offers a glimpse of religion during the colonization of Virginia.  

Along with many restored architectonic structures, the town’s façade is dominated by taverns, workshops,  a silversmith and much more to create a world where people can relive one of Williamsburg’s most unforgettable eras.

Wuhan, China

Wuhan is no ordinary city built in colonial décor.  It is a melting pot of exciting experiences that are designed to attract every type of traveler. Plus, what is there not to like about this Chinese destination that impressively displays a mixture of antiquity and modernity that make up its three urban districts (Hankou, Wuchang and Hanyang).

Nestled in the heart of China’s Hubei Province is Wuhan, a city that is just as culturally inspiring as it is unique.  That’s mainly because it is sometimes referred to as the “Chicago of China”, which is quite noticeable by the appearance of its interesting buildings. 

Even its waterfront exhibits a façade that is interspersed with colonial-infused structure.  In Hankou you can never get enough of the regal beauty decorating its colonial quarter.

Nicoya, Costa Rica

There is really no excuse one needs to visit the country of Costa Rica, but when you add a bit of colonial wonder  it becomes a given. No other destination in Costa Rica deserves a visit from the historically-inclined like Nicoya —  the first to be colonized by the Spanish.

Although much time has passed, the city has never lost its appeal, attracting many visitors who are constantly in awe of its diverse attractions.  From the beach to Costa Rica’s oldest church, its hidden paths and common roads unveil wonderful surprises that are just too extraordinary to ignore.