Mérida, Yucatán

Lore & Background

It was built on the Maya city of Ti'ho, and carved stones from Maya ruins were used in early Spanish buildings, including the cathedral. From colonial times through the mid-19th century, Mérida was a walled city to protect peninsulares and criollos from Maya revolts. The city prospered in the late 19th century from henequen cultivation. By the early 20th century, manufacturing focused on tobacco, molasses, rum, soap, and leather products. Mérida has a tropical savanna climate with hot temperatures and moderate to high humidity. The rainy season runs from June through October. The city's street grid is based on odd-numbered streets east–west and even-numbered streets north–south, with Calles 60 and 61 bounding the Plaza Grande. Affluent neighborhoods are to the north; densely populated areas to the south.

Reader's Guide

Mérida serves as the political, cultural, and financial hub of the Yucatán Peninsula. Its significance stems from its layered history: a Spanish colonial city built directly atop a Maya capital, whose architectural remains are visibly incorporated into colonial structures. The Cathedral of Mérida, built in the late 16th century from Maya ruin stones, is the oldest cathedral in the mainland Americas. The city's old town district is the third largest on the continent. Mérida was the first city named American Capital of Culture and the only one to receive the title twice. Forbes has ranked it among the three best cities in Mexico to live, invest, and do business. The city is also home to important research institutes and has hosted major international conferences and sporting events.

Did You Know?

• The Cathedral of Mérida, built in the late 16th century from Maya ruin stones, is the oldest cathedral in the mainland Americas.
• Mérida's old town district is the third largest on the continent.
• Mérida was the first city named American Capital of Culture and the only one to receive the title twice.