What you did not know about the Merida Cathedral

The Cathedral of Merida is one of Mexico’s oldest treasures, which has witnessed the history and transformation of the capital of Yucatan. From its construction during the 16th century to the present day, this monument has undergone several changes.

Interesting facts about the Cathedral of Mérida

The construction of the Cathedral of Mérida was started by Pedro de Aulestia, and it was Juan Miguel de Agüero who finished the work between 1562 and 1598.
It was built over a city of the Mayan culture called Toh, and the stones of the pyramids were used for its first construction.
It was dedicated to the devotion of San Ildefonso and is the first cathedral on the mainland of America, and therefore, the oldest in Mexico and the continent.
During the XIX century, the cathedral had several robberies of treasures and works of art, being the greatest in 1915 by orders of General Salvador Alvarado, in which the Walcker organ, baroque and churrigueresque altarpieces that were in the interior of the building were taken.
It consists of three naves, a central one, and two lateral ones, and presents a Moorish style in the two towers of two bodies.
Its façade is simple but elegant, with a semicircular arch framing the main door.
In its various facets of construction, the Mudejar, Franciscan Renaissance and Mannerism styles were used.
The main altar is one of the most impressive pieces of the cathedral, the figure of the “Christ of Unity” stands out, carved in birch and a mahogany cross, which measures 7.65 meters high and was made by the Spanish artist Ramón Lapayese del Río.
Where can you visit the Merida Cathedral?

You can visit the Cathedral of Merida in the historic center of this capital city of Yucatan.

Also, next to the cathedral, you can visit the Pasaje de la Revolución, with art exhibits and cultural presentations on weekends.

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