Historic places in Mérida

Historic places in Mérida

1. See

   Casa Frederick Catherwood

   In the 1840s English architect and artist Frederick Catherwood joined American explorer John Lloyd Stephens on an expedition across the Yucatán and Central America in search of Mayan ruins. In addition to illustrating Stephens' subsequently published travel journal, Catherwood published a collection of his remarkable lithographs in an edition of 300. Casa Catherwood does not have a direct historic connection with the artist, but does have the only complete collection of his lithographs on display in Mexico, located in a gallery on the upper floor. The building also houses a bed and breakfast and café.

   Mon-Sat 09:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00·M$50 (lithograph collection)

2. See

   Casa de los Montejo

   The 1549 palace of Montejo the Conquistador. His descendents lived here until 1978. Although the building was extensively remodeled in 1850, some of the original architectural features remain. The ground floor has been converted to commercial use (a Banamex bank with handy ATMs), but the restored interior of the building is open to visitors during banking hours. If you miss an opportunity to have a look inside, the elaborate facade on the outside is alone worth the visit. Elements of the facade include the Montejo family coat of arms, as well as figures of Spanish Conquistadors standing on the heads of conquered native Maya – a graphic illustration of the new order the Conquest imposed.

   Tue-Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-14:00·Free

3. See

   Catedral de San Idelfonso

   This is the first cathedral built on the mainland of the Americas and the oldest in Mexico, built on the site of the Mayan temple Xbac-Luum-Chaan. The temple stones were incorporated into the new building, and a number of original Mayan carvings are still visible on the church walls. Construction began in 1561 and was completed in 1599, except for the bell tower, which was finished 200 years later in 1774. The building is rather austere in style, partly due to its Franciscan design, and partly due to looting during the Mexican revolution. The stations of the cross in the interior on the side naves are particularly noteworthy, as is the painting above a door depicting the baptism of the Mayan ruler of Maní. An additional item of interest on the left side is the so-called El Cristo de las Ampollas ('The Christ of the Blisters') located in a side chapel. In 1645 this wood carving was brought from the village of Ichmul, after it miraculously survived a fire which had destroyed the village church. The original was destroyed during the revolution, but the devout still come to pray at the replica.

   Daily 06:00-12:00, 16:00-19:00·Free

4. Do

   Dzibilchaltún

   The site has been continuously occupied for thousands of years. Its most famous structure is the Temple Of The Seven Dolls (El Templo de las Siete Muñecas), so named because of seven small effigies found at the site when the temple was discovered under the ruins of a later temple pyramid by archaeologists in the 1950s. On the spring equinox the sun rises so that it shines directly through one window of the temple and out the other. The temple is connected to the rest of the site by a long sacbé. The other major feature of Dzibilchaltún is its cenote, which is used as a swimming hole by local residents year round; it is the first stop on the Ruta de los Cenotes. Also on the site are the ruins of a 16th-century Spanish church, as well as a museum displaying Mayan artifacts from the site and the region.

   Daily 08:00-17:00 (site), Tue-Sun 09:00-16:00 (museum)·M$68 (adults), M$39 (Mexican adults, non-Mexican children under 12)

5. Eat

   La Chaya Maya Casona

   The newer, larger branch, in a historic colonial mansion. The food is the same excellent quality, but the setting is more atmospheric with more tables available.

   Daily 13:00-22:00

6. See

   Museo Regional de Antropología

   Palacio Cantón

   The regional archaeology museum is housed in one of the grandest mansions from Mérida's boom time, showcasing ancient Maya artworks and artifacts, as well as temporary exhibits. Completed in 1914, the building originally served as the governor's mansion and is worth seeing in its own right.

   Tue-Sun 08:00-17:00; last admission at 16:40·M$48 (adults), free (students/children/seniors/disabled/children under 13); free admission on Su for Mexican nationals and foreign residents

7. See

   Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Arteneo de Yucatán

   MACAY

   Housed in the former bishop's palace, this museum has a permanent collection of sculptures and paintings by the most well-known artists from the state of Yucatán. Rotating exhibits of work by local artists are also on display.

   Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00·Free

8. See

   Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida

   The Museum of the City of Mérida provides more evidence of the city's long history and rich culture. Admission is free, with guides who speak Spanish, English, and French. The museum has a very interesting permanent exhibit, as well as changing art exhibits upstairs. An added bonus is that the museum is just across the street from Mérida's central market, Mercado Lucas de Galvéz.

   Tue-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat Sun 09:00-14:00·Free

9. See

   Palacio de la Musica

   Large, modern museum opened in 2018. Chronicles the story of Mexican music from its roots in ancient Mesoamerican cultures through today's modern regional styles, which might include boleros, rancheros, banda as well as rock and reggaeton. There are exhibits about instruments, the recording industry, music from TV and movies, and more. The facility includes outdoor spaces that can be reserved for special events and a 450-seat concert hall.

   10:00-16:00, closed Mon,Tue

10. See

    Palacio del Gobierno

    Governor's Palace

    This lovely colonial palace was built in 1892 in the Neoclassical style, with a large courtyard and impressive staircase. Upstairs there is a permanent exhibit of paintings by the painter Fernando Castro Pacheco illustrating key events in the history of Mexico and of the Yucatán peninsula. The main balcony upstairs has a good view of the Zócalo and the cathedral.

    Daily 08:00-22:00·Free

11. See

    Plaza Grande

    Zócalo, Plaza de la Independencia

    In pre-Hispanic times the center of the Mayan city of T'Hó, the central square is at the heart of the historic center of the city. It is surrounded by impressive buildings, most of them built from stones from the Mayan temples which originally stood here. The central park is a pleasant place in which to sit and people-watch, as it is a favorite meeting place of locals, tourists, street performers, and vendors.

12. Eat

    Portal del Peregrino

    European and Yucatecan fare in the historic centro.

    Mid-range

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Mérida (CC BY-SA 4.0).