The seaport city of Tampico is located in the southeast area of the State of Tamaulipas. Tampico is on the northern bank of the Panuco River and the Gulf of Mexico is the natural border which is to the east of the city. Because of great water accessibility Tampico is the second most important port of Mexico after Veracruz’s Pajaritos port. A center of industrial and tourist development is part of the success of this city. The climate of Tampico is tropical characterized by warm weather. The average temperature for the city is 75F (24C). Places of interest in the city, include Playa Miramar, the colorful historic center and the many recreational activities available for visitors especially sport fishing and golf.
Tampico’s first founders are the Huastec tribes which settled down on the banks of the Panuco River. During 1532, the village was continually being attacked by pirates and this is when Fray Andres de Olmos helped the natives. Then in 1554, Don Luis de Velasco supported the idea of establishing a Franciscan monestary. Because the pirate attacks didn’t stop, the village decided to move to areas along the Tamesi River. Finally, Fray Matias Terron and Don Jose de Escandon founded a new village in 1754 named after their Royal Governor Don Luis de Velasco; Villa de San Luis Tampico.
Thanks to the salt mines and maritime trade at Villa de San Luis Tampico, the village gain economic importance and the principal customhouse was built in the port of Tampico. The Port of Tampico traded with San Luis Potosi and Louisiana for products like food, clothing and prefabricated wooden houses. Those houses imported from Louisiana influenced Tampico’s architectural style.
At the historical center, visitors can observed original Porfiriato style of Tampico’s buildings which have been restored and preserved. The historical center offers great historic beauty as well as cultural features that make Tampico so unique. The main attractions at the historical center are:
Plaza de Armas – a Baroque kiosk built in 1924 by Don Juan de la Lastra and architect Oliverio Cedeno.
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral – In May 9, 1841 the cathedral construction started but it was until 1856 that was finished. The architect Lorenzao de la Hidalga completed the whole Cathedral but five years later the center of the cathedral collapsed. Don Eugenio Mireles de la Torre rebuilt the center of the church. The cathedral has a neoclassic style and Corinthian facade. At the front wall visitors can observed a Byzantine mosaic, in the central corridor floor swastika crosses and a main marble of carrera alter.
Municipal Palace – This Italian style building was built during 1928 to 1933 by architect Enrique Canseco. Now it hosts the city council offices and the public library. A mural made by Carlos Sens depicts images of Old Tampico.
Plaza Libertad – the plaza has been modernized in the last years as well as the buildings nearby but what makes this plaza so popular are the restaruants, shops and businesses along the streets.
Ex-Hotel Palace – a beautiful building with iron balconies in which President Porfirio Diaz stayed.
Edificio de La Aduana Maritima – The building is found between the Panuco and Tamesi rivers and displays an English style architecture. Its construction began in 1898 by an English company and the inauguration took place in October, 1902. The wooden windows and door for the building were imported from Louisiana and the cast iron and red bricks came from France.
Casa de la Cultural – The building was built in 1923 to serve as a slaughterhouse owned by Don Bartolo Rodriguez de Leon. The building later became city property and the idea of remodeling the building to serve as a center to promote fine art emerged. The Casa de la Cultura offers art lessons, a concert hall and a permanent painting and sculpture gallery.
Metropolitan Park – On the border of the Laguna del Carpintero, the metropolitan park has exotic gardens and a bridge that crosses the lagoon. There are boat rides available and resting spots like palapas. This park is also host of Nauticopa, an international sport event,every year.
Tampico Bridge – connects the states of Tamaulipas and Veracruz; its inauguration happened on October 17th, 1988. It took ten years to finished but now represents a landmark of Tampico.
Pyramid of the Flowers – a structure built by the Huastec tribe between 600 and 1200 B. C. Built out of dirt earth, sand shell and clay. And it was use to worship their gods.
Miramar Beaches – The most popular attraction while visiting Tampico is the Miramar Beach. It offers ten km of white sand and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Tourists enjoy aquatic sports activities like sailing, fishing and jet skiing.
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