The white city of Merida Yucatan, also known as the peaceful city, has magic on its own. If you are looking for ideas about what to do, we are here to help you. In this article, we are going to point out some of the historic buildings around the centro of Merida. Some of them are open to the public and some of them are not but they are worth visiting from the outside. The ideal place to start touring around it’s called “Paseo de Montejo”: this is a magical Avenue that was built inspired by the Champs Elissé, so don’t worry if you feel like walking in Paris. On both sides of the Avenue is where most of the historic buildings are located. Many of them are now converted into museums. Get ready to take lots of pictures and lovely postcards. This tour around the city could take you more than one day, so get ready and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes amigo.
CASA MONTEJO
Built-in the XVI century by the founders of the city of Merida Yucatan: The Montejo Family, this residence is the only example of a civilian renaissance style home in Mexico. Now it has been turned into a museum, so you can go and check it out. The entrance is free so you have no excuse to miss it!
Address: Calle 63 506, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
LA CATEDRAL
Dedicated to St Idelfonso and build around 1562, making it the first church ever edified in Continental America. Its construction was quick considering they completed it in 1598. Interesting, huh?
Address: Calle 60, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
EDIFICIO SAN FRANCISCO JAVIER
Back in 1624, the Jesuits expanded the San Francisco Javier School, built a street in the middle and turned it into the University of San Francisco Javier. It is now known as the main building of the University of Yucatan.
Address: Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
TEMPLO DE SAN SEBASTIÁN
After the conquest of Merida, a few Indians established in the Southwest of the city and brought their Mayan traditions. When the Franciscans arrived, they built a small chapel to Christianise them. It was then reformed in 1873.
Address: Calle 72, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
CASA DE DON FAUSTINO BRUNET
The current ‘Olimpo’ building is a replacement of the original; known by this name because back in the twentieth century, there was a restaurant bar in the basement named as the mythological mountain.
Address: Calle 51, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
CASA MORISCA
Located on the corner of 51 street and 56 streets in the centre. It reflects the Arab-French influence seen in several houses in Merida built by Spanish immigrants. You can now you can stop by for mezcal at the renewed bar.
Address: Calle 51, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
CASAS GEMELAS
These twin houses were built at the beginning of the 20th century. The plan was brought by three brothers, from France: they wanted the houses to be similar in appearance to those of their native country.
Address: Calle 58 492, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
PALACIO CANTÓN
The Canton Palace was built in the first decade of the 20th century as a family residence of General Francisco Cantón Rosado. General Cantón (1833-1917). He was one of the most prominent characters of his time. As a military man, he fought in the Caste War against the Maya.
Address: Paseo de Montejo 485, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
CASA DE LA CULTURA JURÍDICA
Its European style suggests that it was built during the ‘Porfiriato’ but it was actually constructed in 1915 by Yucatecan architect Manuel Amábilis. He graduated from Parisian École Spéciale d’Architecture and he is the architect of several Merida public spaces and buildings are from.
Address: Calle 59 458, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
EL PINAR
Built-in 1915 during the period of the ‘Porifirato’, it was erected following the trend of the French Renaissance. There’s a spooky myth behind this mansion: go find out! You can book a private tour on their website elpinar.com.mx
Address: Calle 60, Zona Paseo Montejo, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.
Let us know in the comments your theories on these interesting antique buildings. Can you picture yourself in them? Follow us on our social media to keep you informed!
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