Phoenix - Where the Sun Spends its Winter

Phoenix is the capital of the American state of Arizona. Located in the northern end of the Sonoran Desert on the Salt River, Phoenix is the center of the metropolitan area of the same name, often called the Valley of the Sun. Mountains, including White Tank, Sierra Estrella, McDowell and Superstition, surround the city.

The present city was established in the late 19th century on the ruins of an ancient Indian village. The Native Americans who once lived there were from the culture of Hohokam, considered to have been a highly developed civilization. Their canals have been used as examples for constructing those of modern Phoenix and the Arizona Canal.  

The name of the city comes from the bird phoenix, which, according to Egyptian mythology, dies in a fire and gets reborn from its ashes. May be it is because Phoenix is in the middle of the desert or because it is constantly sunny, but you feel there is something magical about it.

To fully explore the surrounding nature, take a lot of water and good shoes and hike the 2-kilometre trail to Piestewa peak. When you get to the top you will witness stunning views on all sides. The path is rocky and sometimes steep, but there are several picnic areas so you can have a break if you find it too difficult. Once you see Phoenix from the top of Piestewa Peak you will be astonished by how different the view is from above.

While you are in a desert mood, explore the Desert Botanical Garden, which is one of the most scenic places in Phoenix. More than 140 rare spices of flora and fauna will excite you. Gardens are divided into areas such as Picante, Tea and Culinary, Wildlife and Herb Gardens. The Desert Discovery trail which features desert flowers from all over the world is an amazing path to hike; or try the Sonoran Desert Nature Trail where you will contemplate beautiful mountains and desert landscape.

One of the most interesting museums to visit while in Phoenix is without any doubt the Heard Museum. It is devoted to the culture and arts of Native Americans who used to inhabit the areas that are now Arizona and New Mexico. You will be amazed by the 32,000 artifacts, among which the collection of Hopi Kachina dolls stands out. The museum is considered not only one of the richest but also with one of the best in terms of how it displays the art, traditions and culture of Native Americans. The Heard Museum hosts diverse events, such as the World Championship Hoop Dance and the Guild Indian Fair.

Phoenix can also boast of the only archeological place in an actual city that displays the culture of the Hohokam civilization. It is located near the International Airport on the exact place where the authentic Hohokam village was 1500 years ago. The complex museum features outdoor displays, replica houses, genuine ruins, native plants and indoor galleries. You will have the unique chance to see a platform that used for the Hohokam rituals 800 years ago. Exploring the houses and excellent irrigation canals of this specific culture, you will be fascinated by their level of development.

Other sites to explore in Phoenix are the Art Museum, the Musical Instrument Museum and Ro Ho En Japanese Garden. Discover the marine wildlife of Phoenix in the Sea Life Aquarium or visit the Phoenix Zoo. Don't miss the historical sites of Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot, which are also nearby. Some of the best events organized in the city are the Friday Artwalks, Arizona Matsuri, the Fiesta Bowl, the Phoenix Open and the Phoenix Film Festival.

Discover Phoenix - the vivid, modern and ancient heart of Arizona!