Mérida - Monuments

The Cathedral

The age and architecture of this building makes it one of the most important historical structures in the peninsula. Built with the stones from the pyramids of Mayan city Called T'ho, now Mérida, it is the first cathedral built in North America. Its construction began in 1561 and was finished in 1598. The original name of the cathedral is San Idelfonso. The portico has been restored. Its inside belongs to the medieval style and it contains many master pieces of art which are worth a careful observation. Of special interest is the crucifix above the main altar, a work done by the international artist Ramon La Payese del Rio. This crucifix is the second largest in the world.

Casa de Montejo

This building construction began in 1543. This is the oldest structure in Mérida. The plateresque portico is perhaps the most beautiful in North America. The house was occupied by the Spanish governor and founder of Mérida, Don Francisco de Montejo El Mozo.

Its structure was made out of the stones of the main temple of the what was in former times the Mayan city of T'ho, and is today the city of Mérida.

Location: South side of the Main Plaza.

The Municipal Palace

Its structure dates back to 1735 and is today Mérida's city hall.

Location: West side of the Main Plaza.

The Government Palace

This building located on the north side of the Main Plaza was constructed in 1892 and remodeled in 1905. Today, this building is where the main office of the state government is found. Inside, on the second floor, there is a large hall Called "El salon de la Historia", dedicated to Yucatán's history. All of its murals are masterpieces of the local painter Fernando Castro Pacheco. Bottom floor is Called the "Pasaje Picheta" and holds e.g. various boutiques, a travel agency, a tobacco shop and a choice of fast food restaurants.

Every night from 8 to 9:30 p.m. there is a free “Trio music performance”.

El Ateneo Peninsular

The building next to the Cathedral was in former times the archbishop's palace house, and afterwards the military headquarters. It is also known as the Contemporary Art Museum.

University of Yucatán

The University of Yucatan (UADY) was originally established in 1711 as the college of San Pedro. Later on it was Called the Literature Institute of Yucatán. Now, this building holds the main offices of the University of Yucatán which has affiliated schools all over the city. There's a cultural and folkloric presentation every Friday in its central indoor patio.

Peon Contreras theater

This was once the college of San Javier until Mérida's first theater was built: The San Carlos.

This theater burned down in the 1870's and was rebuilt in 1908 and renamed as Teatro Jose Peon Contreras which was a very important Yucatecan dramatist.

Location: Calle 60 and 57 in front of the University of Yucatán building.

Tip: Pedestrian area with outdoors restaurant for a coffee and cake in the evening.

Tourism information office at the bottom floor.

Monumento a la Patria

Also known as Monumento a la Bandera was built by the famous sculptor Romulo Rozo and represents all the Mexican history from the pre-Hispanic to the colonial and modern times.

Location: At the end of the famous Paseo de Montejo boulevard.

Note: This page has been created for you to get familiar with the beautiful city of Mérida, its surrounding and our culture. Services, opening hours and prices can vary. We sincerely hope you find the information provided useful and informative.

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