Hermosillo Attractions

Few old colonial buildings survive, since the town has developed rapidly in recent years and has largely been modernised. The stretch of coast opposite the Isla Tiburón attracts many visitors with its agreeable winter climate.

History

The first Spaniards arrived in this region in 1531 and encountered stiff resistance from the warlike nomadic Indian tribes. It was not until 1742 that the first fortified settlement was established here by Agustin de Vildósola under the name of El Real Presidio de la Santisima Trinidad de Pitic. In 1828 the town was given its present name in honour of General José María Gonzáles Hermosillo, a hero of the War of Independence. Since 1879 Hermosillo has been the capital of Sonora state.

Sights

The town has few buildings of tourist interest. Notable features are the 19th c. Neo-Classical Cathedral, the Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno, also 19th c.), the Madero Park and the Mirador, an outlook tower on the Cerro de la Campagne. At the northern exit onto the MEX 15 to Nogales stands the equestrian statue of the Jesuit missionary Eusebio Francisco Kino.