The core of the White City is a fusion of Mayan ruins, Spanish colonial churches and intriguing galleries and museums.
With its wealth of religious structures and visitor attractions, Mérida’s Centro is one of the largest historic districts in Latin America. It has a high indigenous population and a strong Mayan influence that can be seen in its buildings and museums. Visit Mérida’s Centro to learn about the harmony of Mayan and Spanish customs in a fascinating Old Town quarter.
At the heart of the neighbourhood stands the impressive Main Square or Plaza Grande, which is shaded by laurel trees. Wander along its paths and enjoy a picnic on the grass.
Admire the impressive buildings overlooking the plaza, including the Catedral de San Ildefonso, whose walls contain stones from a former Mayan temple. Enter the impressive building and study the Christ of the Unity wooden sculpture symbolizing the union of Mayan and Spanish cultures.
Near the cathedral stands the Palacio de Gobierno dating back to 1892. Enter for the murals by artist Fernando Castro Pacheco and see its majestic façade brightly lit at night.
Along the southern side of the plaza is the Museo Casa Montejo, whose restored 16th-century building hosts all types of art exhibitions and events. Weave through the Museo de la Ciudad, with an elegant pink façade, to study its pre-Hispanic Mayan artifacts.
Find many other museums in the historic centre, such as the Museo de Arte Popular de Yucatán and the Museo Fernando García Ponce-Macay.
For a change, bring your kids west to the Parque Zoológico del Centenario. The little ones will delight at the sight of giraffes, reptiles and primates. Nearby stands the Casa Frederick Catherwood, containing the artist’s 19th-century lithographs of Mayan ruins.
The area is a little west of the geographical centre of Mérida. From Aeropuerto Internacional de Mérida-Manuel Crescencio Rejón, drive northeast for 4 miles (7 kilometres). Travel through the city to see other districts such as Pacabtún, Las Palmas and the Zona Paseo Montejo.
The Centro zone merges Mayan and Spanish traditions, with historic symbols and architecture.
