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SANTA LUCIA |
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 Twelve kilometres east of the capital, set amid the pine-clad
mountain slopes so characteristic of the central highlands, SANTA LUCÍA
is a legacy of the days when the riches to be gained from silver mining
brought settlers to the area in droves. Built by the Spanish in the late
sixteenth century, the fortunes of this archetypal colonial village -
all whitewashed houses and red-tiled roofs set on a steep hillside -
rose and fell with those of the mines. Its citizens' finest hour came in
1572, when King Felipe II, in gratitude at the stream of riches being
produced, presented them with a carved wooden Crucifix. Now residing in
the church, this is honoured annually during the fiesta of the Cristo
Negro in first two weeks of January. The scenic views from Santa Lucía,
over the mountains and down to Tegucigalpa, make for a relaxed half-day
or so spent ambling around the steep, cobbled streets and surrounding
forest. Buses for Santa Lucía leave Tegucigalpa's Mercado San Pablo, Col
Reparto, every thirty minutes until 6pm; the last bus back leaves around
5.30pm. |
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