Calle 59

Calle 59 Review

Some of Campeche's finest homes were built on this city street between Calles 8 and 18. At the end of Calle 59 is Puerta de Mar (Sea Gate), a main entrance to the historic city. Most of the homes here were two stories high, the ground floors serving as warehouses and the upper floors as residences. These days, behind the delicate grillwork and lace curtains you can glimpse genteel scenes of Campeche life. The best-preserved houses are those between Calles 14 and 18, and many closer to the sea have been remodeled or destroyed by fire. Campeche's INAH (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia) office, between Calles 16 and 14, is an excellent example of one of Campeche City's fine old homes. Each month INAH displays a different archaeological artifact in its courtyard. Look for the names of the apostles carved into the lintels of houses between Calles 16 and 18.