Mérida

Arco de Dragones

Arch of the Dragons

Named for the adjoining former barracks of the Spanish regiment, this has a niche on top with a statue of St. Anthony.

Arco de San Juan

Arch of St. John

This once marked the beginning of the road from Mérida to Campeche. Of the remaining arches, this is the largest and best preserved.

Arco del Puente

X-Cul Arco, Arch of the Bridge

Topped by a stone cross, this was named after an earlier bridge situated here, used in times of seasonal flooding. Noteworthy are the doorways on either side of the arch, each of a different height.

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)

Casa Manzanero

Small modern museum chronicling the life and works of composer Armando Manzanero, known for his bolero works. Fun interactive exhibits include an opportunity to play a marimba and a karaoke room where you can go in and sing along with the maestro. Outdoor patio bar on site.

Daily 10:00-20:00·M$58

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

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

Ermita de Santa Isabel

This church was built in the 18th century, and although it hasn’t been well maintained it is worth a visit for the baptismal font as well as the painting of St. Anthony, located in a small niche. The charming garden with small chapel is also worth seeing.

Daily 07:00-13:00, 16:00-20:00

Estación del Ferrocarriles

Escuela Superior de Artes de Yucatán

Since passenger rail services had stopped in 1997, this neo-Colonial building has been renovated and now houses an art institute. It is one of the best preserved buildings of its kind and is for this reason worth seeing. The ornate architectural details reflect Moorish influences, and the central tower is especially noteworthy.

Galería Mérida

The largest private art gallery in Mérida, this gallery showcases local Yucatecan artists with rotating exhibits.

Tue-Fri 10:00-12:00 14:30-17:30

Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

Opened in 2012 and located in a building clearly inspired by the Beijing National Stadium (aka 'Bird's Nest'), the museum has a large permanent collection of Mayan artifacts as well as a number of interactive exhibits.

Wed-Mon 08:00-17:00·M$150 (foreign nationals), M$100 (Mexicans/residents), M$25 (children/students/seniors)

Iglesia de Jesús

Iglesia de la Tercera Orden

This church was built in 1618 as part of a Jesuit college once covering an entire city block – only the church survives today. It was built with stone from an earlier Mayan temple; these carved stones can be seen on the west wall.

Iglesia de San Cristóbal

This is the newest church in the centro, with construction begun in 1756 and completed in 1796. Of particular interest is the distinctive scalloped vaulting over the main entrance, as well as a wall-top defensive walkway surrounding the building, used for surveillance in case of revolt. An annual procession takes place here on 12 December in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Iglesia de Santa Lucía

This was built in 1575 by the merchant D. Pedro Garcia. In 1871 the park of the same name was opened to the public, and the door arches embellished. The obelisk dedicated to General Sebastian Molas was added in 1887.

Monumento a la Patria

Monumento a la Bandera

This monument was designed by the Colombian artist Rómulo Rozo and inaugurated in 1956, and is dominated by the 14-meter high stone figure of an indigenous man holding a flame. The structure has 31 columns, representing the 28 states of the Republic of Mexico, the 2 territories and the Federal District.

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

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

Museo de Arte Popular de Yucatán

Casa Molina

Housed in an early 20th-century mansion, this museum showcases folk art, textiles, and household objects from Yucatán and across Mexico, with a permanent collection and rotating special exhibits. Highlights includes masks from the states of Guerrero, Morelos, and Oaxaca. There is also a small gift shop.

Tue-Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-15:00·Free

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

Museo de las Ferrocarilles en Yucatán

Railroad Museum

Rail buffs will love this mostly outdoor museum near the train station northeast of the Centro. Old locomotives and lots of quirky old rolling stock.

Daily 10:00-14:00

Nahualli Casa de los Artistas

Owned and operated by two internationally-exhibited Mexican artists, this gallery also offers frequent workshops in painting and sculpture.

Mon-Sat 10:00-14:00 16:00-20:00

Palacio Municipal

Ayuntamiento, Old City Hall

Mérida's red city hall, easily spotted by its distinctive clock tower, was built in 1735. From this building in 1821 the Republic of Yucatán declared independence from Spain.

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

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

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.

Quinta Montes Molina

Casa Museo

Another of the Paseo's grandest old mansions is also a museum, still owned by the original family. 40-minute guided tours of the lavish interior can also be booked by appointment.

English tours: Mon-Fri 09:00 11:00 15:00, Sat 09:00 11:00; Spanish tours Mon-Fri 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00, Sat 10:00 12:00·M$60 (adults), M$40 (children)

Arches of Mérida

In 1690 a number of arches were built to demarcate the boundaries of the Centro Histórico. All arches share a similar style and are unique in Mexico. Three remain standing today.

Museo de la Canción Yucateca

This museum is dedicated to Yucatecan music and musicians.

Tue-Fri 09:00-17:00, Sat Sun 09:00-15:00