The colonial history of Honduras extends through 1821, when the country declared its independence from Spain. Many of the country's first Spanish settlements were established near mines, where enormous silver and gold riches were extracted for export to Spain. Today, visitors can tour a number of Honduran towns that retain an antique charm left over from the long-gone days of Spanish colonialism. Comayagua.

The historic town of Comayagua was founded in 1537, in response to Spanish orders to find a location for a settlement that was equidistant from the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It served as the nation's capitol until it was partially destroyed by fire in 1873. In Comayagua, visitors have the unique opportunity to see a town's historic center in the process of renovation. A school, dedicated to teaching the art of historic restoration, was established in 1996 with assistance from the government of Spain, to train approximately 50 young artisans each year. The school is located in the Archaeology Museum, also the school's first restoration project. The museum is scheduled to reopen in March 1999 with exhibits devoted to Lenca culture.

Just a half block from the Central Park, visitors will find a colonial museum, maintained by the Catholic Church, which contains a superb collection of artwork and other religious items. Another fascinating attraction in Comayagua can be found in the bell tower of the cathedral. Here one of the oldest clocks in the world, believed to have been manufactured in Holland in the 16th century, has marked time for more than 400 years. It is kept in perfect working condition and sounds the quarter-hour and hour with a Roman chime. Inside the cathedral, there are magnificent silver and gold-plated altars, as well as outstanding colonial paintings.