Merida secrets you’ll love
Merida, Mexico, is a colonial city with small colorful houses, beautiful period buildings and narrow streets. Capital of the state of Yucatan, it is a human-sized city that has a lot to offer to travelers. As a bonus, it is the safest city in Mexico. Here are some Merida secrets you’ll love.
The Plaza Grande, the heart of the city
As with any Latin American city, the main square is a must-see. Here you can find the most iconic buildings. Here are the activities not to be missed:
Passage of the Revolution: it is a pedestrian passage below a glass roof. It connects the main plaza to the street behind the cathedral. There are several works of art installed there.
Government Palace: you have to go there to admire the 27 murals of the painter Fernando Castro. It also offers a very nice view of the square from the 2nd floor. Both during the day and at night when everything is bright. Every day 8am-9pm, free entrance. By the way, to enjoy the view, you can also go up to La Casa de mi Tia. This is a restaurant on the 2nd floor right next door. It is rather simple, but there are balconies with tables.
El Olimpo Cultural Center: It displays all of Merida’s cultural programming on the outside with upcoming events, shows, etc. Check it out!
And be aware that Sundays are very busy in the Plaza. The streets close and there are several small food and craft booths for families to spend the day. In the afternoon, you can even experience the “Jarana”, a typical Yucatan dance.
Merida secrets you’ll love: Casa Montejo
This is the oldest house in Merida (1549). It once belonged to the family of Francisco de Montejo, the founder of the city.
In reality, only the entrance remains from the original construction, but the visit is worthwhile, as there are four rooms that show the interior of a house from the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century, in addition to temporary exhibition rooms. On Wednesdays at 8 pm there is a projection on the facade. Free admission.
Cathedral of San Ildefonso
The oldest cathedral in Mexico (1561), built over the remains of a Mayan temple, it was partially demolished and ransacked in the course of history. The interior is sober, but the building impresses by its imposing side with its large pillars and its statue of Christ which turns out to be the largest interior statue of Christ in the world.
Daily 6am-12pm, 4:30pm-8pm. Free entrance
Merida secrets you’ll love: Macay Museum
Right next to the cathedral, in a large and beautiful restored house, is the only museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art in the Yucatan Peninsula. We go there to see the temporary and permanent exhibitions, but also to enjoy its beautiful interior patio, filled with plants. It is one of the most pleasant places in Merida to rest in the shade.
