Magnifica Merida
Must-See Places
The Cathedral of Merida
The Cathedral with its imposing & gorgeous architecture is the star of Plaza Grande. Built in the 1500’s, over a former Maya temple (from which stones were used), it was the first cathedral to be completed in the Americas. Unfortunately, the interior is rather plain,
as cathedrals go, due to damage done by an anticlerical uprising during the Mexican Revolution.
Great Museum
of the Mayan World
The Museum exhibits a magnificent collection of more than 1,160 pieces that allows you to enjoy, among other examples, textiles, religious elements, pieces and various objects and furnishings that reflect the current daily life of the Mayans. Engravings, books and historical documents are also shown, as well as artistic and religious works from the colonial era.
Twin houses of
Paseo de Montejo
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In the most emblematic avenue of Mérida, Paseo de Montejo two constructions have been erected since the beginning of the 20th century that for more than 100 years have aroused the curiosity and amazement of locals and strangers. Today, thanks to the interest in sharing their history,
the owners of one of them decided to raise the curtain and open their doors to those interested in these iconic architectural gems.
Paseo de Montejo
Plaza Grande
The Government Palace
Paseo de Montejo is a the major notable avenue of Mérida. It is named after Francisco de Montejo, the Spanish conquistador who founded the city in 1542, and is the location of some of the most iconic buildings and monuments of the city.[1][2] Inspired by the French Boulevard, the avenue is flanked by trees and has several roundabouts along its course. Many beautiful mansions were built along the avenue by wealthy Yucatecans of the 19th century. It extends north from the city downtown (the Santa Ana neighbourhood) and connects to Highway 231 just south of the Mayan Museum (Gran Museo Maya). Its length of over 6 km makes it one of the longest avenues of the city.
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The iconic monument, Monumento
a la Patria, located along the Paseo de Montejo, was sculpted by the Mexican artist Rómulo Rozo.
Some authors confirm that he
was born in Chiquinquirá, Boyacá.
He lived a major part of his life
in Mexico.
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Begin your visit in the Center of Mérida at the Zócalo, also known as the Plaza Grande. In this tourist place, you will notice a totally colonial atmosphere, among its gardens you can walk or sit under the shade of its trees on one of its benches. It is surrounded by the Cathedral, the Government Palace, the Olimpo Cultural Center, the Casa Montejo Museum and the Fernando García Ponce Museum. And here you can find the main buildings of the city, markets, food restaurants typical, craft shops and above all enjoy the coexistence with the citizens of Merida. Plaza Grande is an excellent recreation area for all ages, children, youth and adults.
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This magnificent building had its precedent head-quarters on the Royal Houses, colonial government
place. It served both as office for administrative and government business, as well as bedrooms for the
official representatives of the Crown.
Once independence was consumed the place was
called Government Palace, and in the late XIX century,
the old building was destroyed to build the one we
have today.
It was inaugurated on September 15, 1892 for the purpose of concentrating the Executive Power offices
of the State.
The Palace, an eclectic classical style, has two
levels, and covers a square surface of 42 meters on
the front and depth. There is a large central courtyard
on the inside, which covers a great extension. It holds
27 murals made between 1971 and 1978 by the famous
artist Pacheco.
Fernando Castro Pacheco, a renowned
Yucatecan artist, who painted the murals
and the interior decoration of the two-story building, galleries, in the sober Salon de la Historia and the stairwell. The murals and paintings represent Yucatan's history. They are considered the most important and significant masterpiece in the State.
