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BELIZE CITY: Belize City, with a population of 70,000, is a bustling, fascinating place, the country's biggest city and former capital. Located on the east coast in the heart of the country, it is a gateway
to Belize's historical and cultural points.
Places worth a visit while in Belize City include St. Johns
Cathedral, the oldest Anglican Cathedral Church in Central America. It was built in 1812 from bricks brought as a ballast
from European sailing ships, and two Mosquito Coast Kings
have been crowned in it. Opposite the Cathedral is the
Government House, a beautifully preserved, white-painted
colonial building dating from 1814, and the residence of
Belize's governor-general. A block southwest from there is
the Yarborough Cemetery, with gravestones that outline the turbulent history of Belize back in 1781. Towering over the
harbor entrance at Fort George point is the Lighthouse
monument, which was built from money donated to the
country by Belize's greatest benefactor - Baron Bliss, the 5th
baron of Portugal. At his request, he was entombed in front
of the lighthouse which he designed himself prior to his death.
If you are interested in learning more in-depth history of the
city, tours are available.
On the north side of the Swing Bridge, the world's only manual
swing bridge which is still being swung daily, you can find the
Marine Terminal, a beautifully restored former Belize City Fire Station.
It now houses two of Belize's new coastal and maritime museums.
Art enthusiasts can visit the Image Factory, an art gallery featuring
work by Belize's contemporary artists. The gallery holds outstanding, often
provocative exhibitions and you can sometimes get a chance to discuss
the work with the artists themselves. The Bliss Institute on the Southern
Foreshore is the cultural center of the city and sometimes features
performances by visiting dance or theatre companies. Also of interest
is the National Handicraft Center on North Front Street, which sells
high-quality Belizean crafts including beautiful carvings made from
zericote, a two-toned wood found only in Belize.
Belize City is also a good starting point for other destinations, such as
the Community Baboon Sanctuary or Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary,
the incredible Cockscomb Basin and Jaguar Preserve, Mountain Pine Ridge
Reserve, the cayes and Barrier Reef, and Mayan archaeological sites
such as Caracol and Xunantunich.
SUZANNE ROBBINS
Elegante Honeymoons
Boca Express Travel/Amex
8177 Glades Rd., Ste. 14
Boca Raton, Fl. 33433
1-561-482-0030
1(888)888-3103