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Merida
History and Architecture
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Merida's History
Merida was founded in the northern part of the Yucatán Peninsula on the remains of the ancient Mayan city known in the region as Ichcaanziho, which means "five hills". With time, the name was shortened to T'ho, and was later given the name Merida, due to the fact that the ancient Mayan structures produced a strong impression on the invaders, especially on Francisco de Montejo, who was reminded of the Roman ruins conserved in the Spanish city of the same name.
On the 6th of January 1542, Merida was formally founded by Francisco de Montejo "the younger", who dedicated it to The Lady of the Incarnation, registering in the act of its installation as a town, to 70 Spanish families and 300 indigenous inhabitants as its founders. The Hispanic ascension received the title of "very noble and loyal city", together with its coat of arms, on the 13th of July 1618, with a bond signed by King Philippe II.
The urban development of the city responded to the dictates of the time, under a quadrangular scheme with streets and blocks crossing as on a chess board. It is said that one of the first city aldermen was the one to execute it, surely following a plan put together by its founder Francisco de Montejo, who reserved for his family a large piece of property south of the principal plaza, for the construction of his home. Making four cardinal points of the city plaza, the population was divided in four sections, each with its own neighborhood and patron saints, to the south San Sebastian, to the west Santiago and Santa Catarina (today Parque Centenario), to the east San Cristobal and to the north Santa Lucia and Santa Ana. Practically this organization outlined, in a very clear way, the outskirts for the indigenous inhabitants, so that the city centre was reserved for the Spanish colonists.
Merida's Architecture
 Merida is a city characterized by its modest and simple architecture, but above all it is known for the construction material used that are indigenous to the region, that make it seem like a great white mass that results in more illumination of the sun, aspects that validate its name as "The White City". It is thought that this modest simplicity attributed to Merida, is also attributed to other factors, such as the influence of the Franciscans, that insisted on an urban structure of narrow streets as a remembrance of old Castillian and Andalucian towns in whose memory they were constructed. Many of the buildings have retained their original features, with vestiges of enriched styles, like barro (fired clay) neoclassical churrigueresque, as well as later additions of French and Italian style, brought to the area during the Bella Epoca of the late 19th century.
Catedral - Located between 60th Street and 61st Street, it is considered the nation's oldest cathedral. Its sober façade has a large arch that rises above the main entryway and is flanked by sculptures of saints Peter and Paul. Inside you'll see vaults with interlaced gothic arches. At the main altar, you'll find an image of the so-called Cristo de la Unidad, which is 7.65 meters (25 feet) high. Open daily from 6:00 to 1:00 and 2:00 to 8:00.
Palacio de Gobierno - Located in front of the Plaza de la Independencia between 60th Street and 61st Street, this neo-classical building houses various murals painted by Yucatecan artist Fernando Castro Pacheco depicting the history of the Mayan people. Open daily from 7:00 to 7:00.
Palacio Canton - This construction is known for its French Renaissance-style façade with its profusion of elegant adornments that jut out between balconies and cornices and its characteristic finial. Inside, the beautiful building houses the Yucatan Regional Museum of Anthropology. Open daily from 7:00 to 7:00. Located at 485 Paseo Montejo.
Casa Montejo - Located on 63rd Street, this Plateresque-style building is considered one of the country's most important representations of 16th-century architecture. Its façade stands out for its stone engravings. Open daily from 7:00 to 7:00.
Ermita de Santa Isabel - A temple with a plain façade built in the 18th century. Its old ossuary has been converted into a beautiful garden with a chapel in the rear where you'll find a baptismal font and a small recess with the image of Saint Anthony. Located on 66th Street, at the corner of 77th Street. Open daily from 7:00 to 1:00 and 4:00 to 8:00.
Templo de las Monjas - Located on 63rd and 64th streets, this structure was built to receive nuns from the Convento de la Concepcion de la Ciudad de Mexico (a Mexico City convent). Inside, you'll find a beautiful and well-preserved chancel. Open daily from 7:00 to 1:00 and 4:00 to 8:00.
Hacienda Yaxcopoil - This stupendous construction demonstrates the rural architectural style at the end of the 19th century. On a tour of the grounds, you can see the area where they used to process henequen to make textile products. Lies 33 km (20 mi) from Merida on Highway 261.
Hacienda Xcanatun - This hacienda lies near a lowland forest that offers visitors an exquisite variety of flowers, trees and bushes characteristic of the region, while a small manmade lake is the habitat of countless colorful fish. The architectural structures have several original attributes, such as a former machine house that was converted into a restaurant/bar and the hacienda's main building. Without being ostentatious, the rooms have a special charming quality that adds to the overall atmosphere. Located just 12 km (7.4 mi) from Merida in the direction of Puerto Progreso.
Hacienda San Jose Cholul - Located 68 km (42 mi) from Merida on the Tixkokob-Tekanto Highway 80, this hacienda is a historical treasure, as it has maintained the colonial-style architecture of its era. The machine house, the original building and the administrative building are now used as the hotel's quaint rooms. Guests can enjoy the delicious and colorful regional and international food offered on the menu, and when night falls, the place warms up to the live music of Yucatecan ballads.
Hacienda San Ildefonso Teya - This hacienda has a luxurious hotel with comfortable rooms, halls to rent for special events and parties, and a restaurant that offers the best in Yucatecan cuisine. Located at Km 12.5 on the Merida-Cancun Highway.
Hacienda Katanchel - Located at Km 26 on the Merida-Cancun Highway. An old construction where they used to process henequen, today it is a luxurious hotel that also offers guided tours through its facilities, textile workshops and beautiful gardens.
Source: Hotel Villa Merida & Mexican Tourism Board
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