Everyone’s and No one’s Place: The historic town of Tegucigalpa-Comayagüela at the beginning of the XXIth Century

Abstract

Tegucigalpa, founded at the end of the XVIth Century, became the capital city in 1880, and the Central District –Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela- in 1937. Its Historic Center extends over some 1.8 km², segmented by the Choluteca River. In spite of the functional obsolescence of a good number of buildings, the Historic City Center retains its emblematic value in the collective imagery as an identity stronghold, historic town and the seat of the central government. Although the citizenry recognizes the loss of public spaces, the lack of political will from decisions makers deprives civil society of valid dialogue partners. Under these circumstances, it is urgent to forge a stronger link between the younger generations and their Historic Center.

Keywords

• Historic Center
• collective imagery
• public spaces