Attractions in Merida Mexico

Casa de Montejo

One of the most renowned buildings in the Yucatecan capital for its baroque splendor and its historic importance is the Casa de Montejo. This was originally the official residence of the founder of the city (and then, to the subsequent generations of his family for nearly three centuries), Francisco de Montejo. The architecture and ornamentation of the facade show the fine technique used by the Spanish silversmiths of the 16th century. It is for this reason that the building is considered one of the best examples of "Plateresco" art (word which means "of silver" and describes this style of architecture) in the country. It is worthy of admiration and as the years pass, each restoration brings back more of the beauty of the carved stone figures that adorn the balconies, columns and the spectacular portal of the entrance.

The Cathedral

The erection of the Cathedral of Merida, located on the Plaza Mayor, (Main Square), started in 1561 and lasted until 1598. It is an impressive edifice, bearing different architectural features. The facade for instance, is Renaissance style, the towers and interiors are of Moorish influence and the altarpiece is distinctively Baroque style. This cathedral is the oldest one in the Americas.

A few steps from the Cathedral are other interesting buildings, such as the Ateneo Museum of Modern Art of Yucatan, the Palace of Montejo and the Town Hall. Take your time sightseeing, since these particular sights are all definitely worth visiting.

Centenario Park

Centenario Park is an obligatory visit while in Merida and a suitable place for a family outing. It features a zoo, a skating rink, a small lake and a train that takes you on a ride around the park and through a tunnel.

Come and have fun in Merida, Yucatan!

Izamal

Visitors receive typical Yucatecan hospitality in Izamal, a quiet town that proudly maintains its traditions. The facades of the houses, (painted mustard yellow, common in the area) together with the beautiful painting of the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, have both been seen on the cover of interesting books of art and colonial architecture, as well as being the representative images reflecting the beauty of the State of Yucatan. It is not surprising that many visitors (among which was Pope John Paul II who chose this small town as an obligatory stop in his pilgrimage about the world) appreciate it for its buildings and recognize it for the faith professed for Our Lady of Izamal

Las Americas Park

This park extends for 4 blocks and it's divided into four sections: an amphitheater, a large square (where you can watch the most varied shows and performances), a playground and a public library. You can also rent rollerblades and bicycles to ride around the park.

There is also a third section, a romantic spot with a monumental stone fountain representing the Mayan deity Kukulcan. In the last section, there is a replica of a Mayan hut, housing some murals depicting important Latin American historic events.

Merida on Sundays

From early Sunday morning to dawn the next day, all the streets around Main Square remain closed to cars so that pedestrians, cyclists and carriages can move about easily. This is the traditional ''Merida on Sundays''. It is a festival with many stands for food, handcrafts and books. The parks become gathering places for artists, painters, photographers and sculptors, whose work is displayed and put on sale. You can see skillful artists drawing interested passersby, whose faces are portrayed in funny caricatures.

Museums

History comes to life in Merida. Visitors can see and feel its rich historical past, not only because of the government's efforts to preserve it but because it takes root in the large Indian and mestizo population (people of European and Native American ancestry), whose strong customs and traditions, art and language are still present in everyday life.

An example of this are the Popular Art Museum and the Museum of the City, where you can see Mayan and Spanish artifacts from the Independence, the War of Castes and subsequent periods in history, depicting important events that have taken place in the region. At the MACAY Museum, which stands for Ateneo Museum of Modern Art of Yucatan, you can see excellent permanent exhibits of Yucatecan art, art workshops and several other cultural events.

Olimpo Cultural Complex of Merida

This is also an art complex, where there are different temporary exhibits of paintings, photographs, as well as concerts, movies, a library and a planetarium. In the planetarium, visitors can go on virtual journeys of the cosmos, or into the human body via state-of-the-art audio and video systems.

Paseo de Montejo

Merida's main avenue, Paseo de Montejo, bears evidence of its Henequen Golden Age in its eloquent architecture. This period spurred an economic boom derived from the henequen industry of the late 18th century. Paseo de Montejo resembles the Champs Elysees in Paris because it was actually built following the original plans made by the French. Many of the Neo-classic mansions on the avenue are still owned by Merida's elite. Most, however, are used as museums, offices, restaurants, bars and shops.

Sotuta de Peon

In Sotuta de Peon, learn how the great henequen haciendas functioned during the height of their popularity, when they brought wealth and were of great importance in the State of Yucatan. Going to these haciendas is like going back in time, as you watch the process first hand. The hard working locals who maintain the plant operational cultivate and the use of the fibers of the henequen plant, revealing to visitors the secrets of the industry. The tour is nothing short of fantastic as you ride the rails on a mule-drawn cart, eat in a restaurant that serves very traditional cuisine or swim and cool off in the cenote that can be found on the property. Finish off your visit to Merida with a visit to this extraordinary hacienda.

Theaters

Merida is rich in culture and has several theaters, where there are all sorts of stage plays, from experimental college theater plays to folk comedy performances. The Peon Contreras Theater, with its charming Neo-classic French architectural design, features a varied and interesting calendar of performances, which is definitely worth taking a look at so make the time to see a performance during your stay in Merida. The Daniel Anaya Theater, which dates back to the 17th century, has since entertained Meridians with wonderful performances. There is also the art deco style Merida Theater, which was recently remodeled and now offers an array of cultural events.

Turibus

To comfortably sightsee the main attractions of Merida, one of the best options is on board this double decker bus. Find excellent service as well as interesting historical facts on the monuments and points of interest that make up the route, such as the historic center, the Cathedral, Paseo de Montejo, the Museum of Anthropology and the Monument to the Flag. Your ticket allows you to use the Turibus as many times as you want during the scheduled bus operation hours of the day of purchase. Just hop on and off at the pre-designated bus stops and explore the city to your heart's content.

Uxmal

While in Merida, it is without a doubt worthwhile to travel an hour out to visit this fantastic archeological site, located on an extensive stretch of land, near the state border of Campeche. Uxmal proudly shows its splendor to all visitors, in the form of edifices such as the Temple of the Magician, the Palace of the Governor, the Nunnery Cuadrangle or the House of the Turtles. Its beauty and incredible architecture proves the well merited point as to why this site is considered to be among the ranks of Chichen Itza, Tulum or Tikal, in terms of an archeological find and an important part of Maya cultural heritage. At night, Uxmal comes alive with a Light and Sound show that you shouldn't miss.