Mérida, known as "The White City," is a charming destination renowned for its peace, tranquility, and the warmth of its people. Its relaxed atmosphere and warm climate make it the perfect place for those seeking a vacation that combines history, culture, and relaxation. Founded on January 6, 1542, on the ruins of the Mayan city of T'ho, Mérida is a blend of pre-Hispanic and colonial influences, reflected in its architecture and traditions.
The Historic Center, particularly its "Plaza Grande", is the ideal starting point for your adventure in Mérida. Here, the past and present mix in a vibrant, lively setting. A walk through this plaza allows you to admire key historical buildings, such as the impressive Cathedral of San Ildefonso, the oldest on the American continent, and the Government Palace, featuring stunning murals that narrate the history of Yucatán.
Nearby, you can visit the Casa de Montejo Museum, a 16th-century architectural gem, and other sites of interest like the Peón Contreras Theater, which hosts important cultural events. Don’t forget to explore the local markets, where you can savor Yucatecan culinary delights such as cochinita pibil, panuchos, or the refreshing chaya water.
Mérida will captivate you not only with its rich history but also with its vibrant cultural life. In the Plaza Grande and nearby streets, you’ll often find open-air performances like folk dances, Yucatecan trova music, and the traditional vaquería. These activities not only give you a deeper understanding of local customs but also immerse you in the warmth and hospitality of the people of Mérida.
If you decide to venture beyond Mérida, the city center provides easy access to a variety of unique experiences. Buses and tours frequently depart to nearby "Pueblos Mágicos" like Izamal, known as "The Yellow City" for its beautiful golden facades, or Valladolid, a charming colonial city famous for its cenotes. You can also enjoy nearby beaches like Progreso, just 30 minutes away, where you can relax by the sea and savor fresh seafood.
Don’t forget that Mérida is the gateway to some of the region’s most amazing natural and cultural treasures. Just a short distance away, you’ll find majestic archaeological sites such as Uxmal and Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, the cenotes surrounding the city, like those in Cuzamá or Homún, are a must-see for nature lovers and those drawn to the mysticism of these underground pools.
Mérida not only connects easily with other points in the state of Yucatán but also with neighboring states like Quintana Roo and Campeche, allowing you to expand your adventure and explore the wonders of the Peninsula.
Main Buildings of the Historic Center
Palacio de Gobierno (The Government House)
Was built as a home for reigning governors and heads of the state of Yucatan. Inside, you’ll find the history of Yucatan rafters of 27 paintings by Fernando Castro Pacheco Yucatan, also you may find them within the tourist information offices.
Municipal Palace, the offices are H. City Council of Merida.
Casa de Montejo
It is considered “the most valuable plateresco jewel that we have in civil architecture”. This was the home of the founder of the city and has a plaque with an inscription of the year 1549.
Cathedral of San Idelfonso
Ss a Renaissance style architecture and towers exceeding 40 meters, it is the oldest cathedral of Central America. It has a dome adorned with bows and it still retains an old clock that served to give time to the meridians.
We encourage you to continue your visit on 60th Street where you will find restaurants, craft shops, traditional clothing, hotels and other buildings with great architectural value.
Passage Pichet
This area has a great atmosphere where you can find anything from restaurants, craft shops, traditional clothing to Yucatan chive cafes, as well as the weekends there are Yucatecan musical trios which will delight you.
Olimpo Cultural Center
With a capacity of 300 people this cultural center offers a variety of shows, it also has a video room with capacity of 98 people, and the planetarium, on the bottom level is a library and a cafeteria.
Municipal Palace
It is built where the platform of a pre-Hispanic building known as Backluumchaan was, since the founding of In the Spanish city, the Municipal Palace, as can be seen, has its origins in a two-level construction with corridors...
Temple San Juan de Dios
It was originally the chapel dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary and Located to the north of the Cathedral was the convent and hospital of the order of San Juan de Dios, an institution that provided services to the population under the administration of the friars until 1821...
Recommendations
- Enjoy a delicious Ice Cream at Heladerias Colón
- Take a photo at the Letrotas de Mérida
- Visit the Garcia Rejón Crafts Bazaar (1 Street away)
- Visit the Museum inside the "Casa de Montejo"
- Don't miss the free shows at night! (Vaqueria, Dialogues with the Conqueror, The Poktapok (Mayan Ball Game ), VideoMapping in the Cathedral)