Mérida (Mexico) - Mérida (Mexiko)

Merida
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Merida is the capital of the state Yucatan in Mexico and is considered the gateway to the world of the Maya.

Map of Merida (Mexico)

background

View over the old town with the cathedral (on the right in the picture)

Even the Maya settled here and created cities. The first cities were formed in the first millennium. It is currently assumed that Ti’ho ’was the first and most important Mayan city in the urban area. But there are other Maya sites in the city; seven more have only recently been discovered. According to current knowledge, the largest was Dzibilchaltúnwhich stretched over 16 km² and was still populated when the Spaniards arrived. However, the Spaniards, led by Francisco de Montejo, settled among the ruins of Ti’ho ’in 1542 and were so impressed by the buildings that they remembered their Spanish hometown Meridawhere there are numerous Roman ruins called the city of Mérida. This was then designed on the drawing board in a classic chessboard-like manner. The temple complexes were removed as building material. Here in Mérida, the Kazike of Maní, Ah Kukum Tutul Xiú, gained and baptized as an ally. But this alliance turned out to be a bitter blow to the Mayan culture. Thus, only twenty years later, in a ceremony by the second bishop of Mérida, all the books of the Maya were recognized as the work of the devil in Maní burned. Even so, the bishop was not squeamish. In order to achieve his missionary goal, he did not shy away from extensive torture and killing of unbelievers. The city was initially under the administration of New Spain. In 1549 the administration was briefly moved to Guatemala. But this step was reversed a few years later. In 1605 the city was given the title "Muy Noble y muy Leal Ciudad" (Very noble and loyal city) by King Philip III. awarded. In 1648 the city was hit by a yellow fever epidemic. As in 1821 Mexico was able to fight for independence, one was not involved in it, but took over this status and the constitution. Because of the great distance of Mexico City and lack of communication routes, people quickly felt neglected on the Yucatán peninsula and declared their independence here in Mérida in 1840. The struggle for independence was based on the support of the Maya, who hoped that this would give them more freedom. But when it got worse, there was an uprising, the so-called caste war. During the Caste War, Mérida was with Campeche the only city that was not captured by the Maya rebels. Although this city was already in a militarily hopeless situation, the rebels broke off the siege due to circumstances that had not yet been clarified. Whether the beginning of the harvest season had anything to do with it is still a matter of dispute. But they needed the support of Mexican troops to bloodily suppress the uprising. But independence had to be given up for this. The golden age for Mérida began in 1875 with the so-called sisal boom. Sisal is made from the fibers of a type of agave, is extremely firm and does not swell in water. It was therefore ideal for ship ropes, but also for hammocks, baskets, simple carpets, etc. With the discovery of synthetic fibers, however, it lost its importance again. But you can still see numerous well-preserved villas in the city from the 19th and early 20th centuries, when the sisal plantations were at their peak. Today Mérida is the capital of the Yucatán state and has over 700,000 inhabitants. Since this only received a railway connection in 1950 and was not connected to the national expressway network until the 1970s, the inhabitants of the city still see themselves more as Yucatecos than Mexicans. The city is a popular starting point for tourists to visit the surrounding sights from here. The city is anything but quiet. During the week, crowds of honking cars jostle through the streets, which then have to give way to cafes, musicians and a large number of dance audiences at the weekend thanks to a full closure of the city center.

getting there

By plane

Mérida Airport (Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport) is located in the southeast of the city and is best reached via the MEX 261 in the direction of Umán. The identifier is according to IATA MID and according to ICAO MMMD and offers national and international connections. Internationally, Aerogaviota and Aeroméxico fly to Havana, Aeroméxico is flying to Miami, and Continental Airlines flies to Houston. Nationally, Aeroméxico, Interjet, VivaAerobus and Volaris fly to Mexico City. Monterrey is served by Aeroméxico and VivaAerobus and Guadalajara from Aeroméxico and VivaAerobus. Aeroméxico is still flying Veracruz and Villahermosa at. The latter is also served by Mayair, which still has connections with Campeche, Cancun, Ciudad del Carmen and Cozumel offers.

The best way to get to the city or the airport is by bus 79, also known as "Aviación". This commutes between the airport and downtown bus stop near the CAME bus station on Calle 70 every thirty minutes until 9:00 p.m. The trip last cost 4 MEX $.

By train

A railway line runs through Mérida, but has only been used for freight traffic since the 1990s.

By bus

Of course, the best public transport connection here in Mérida with other cities is by bus. Given the size of the city, there are several bus stations here. The first-class bus station CAME Central de Autobuses Merida ADO, also popularly known as the ADO station, is located approx. 1 km as the crow flies in a south-easterly direction from the city center on Calle 70 between 69 and 71. From here there are connections with Villahermosa above Campeche, Champotón and Escárcega as well as after Playa del Carmen above Chichen Itza, Valladolid (Mexico), Coba and Tulum. Even more distant destinations like Veracruz, Palenque(Night bus) and Mexico City are approached. Of course there is also a direct connection with Cancun (hourly) and Chetumal.

The central second-class bus station is located on Calle 69 between 68 and 70. There are connections with Campeche, Villahermosa, Valladolid (Mexico), Izamal, Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Another second-class bus station can be found on Calle 50 between 65 and 67. There are connections here with Celestun, Cancun, Izamal, Mayapán, San Cristobal de las Casas and Holbox. Buses to Progreso exit at calle 62 between 65 and 67.

In the street

Of Cancun it goes over Valladolid (Mexico) via MEX 180 directly to Mérida. This is chargeable and therefore costs around € 20.00. However, you save a lot of time and nerves here, as this bypasses some villages including Topes (dramatically high bumps to calm traffic). The MEX 180 continues to after Campeche

From Parque Natural Rio Lagartos the route leads via Tizimín via the MEX 176 directly to Mérida

mobility

An alternative means of transport in Mèrida is the horse-drawn carriage

Although the city appears huge, the area of ​​interest to tourists extends over a manageable area. It is therefore usually sufficient and the quickest way to do everything on foot. One should exercise a little caution, however, as the dense traffic torments the streets while the sidewalks meander close to a ledge along the street.

But if you want to reach the more distant destinations by bus, you can do that, but the bus routes are a bit confusing because they start in the suburbs. The tourist information office on Plaza Grande (Calle 62) can help. The opening times are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day, except Sundays, as the information desk closes at 2:00 p.m.

The most frequently chosen destination outside the center is of course the one in the north Paseo de Montejo. The best way to do this is to take route 10 on calle 59. The bus stops here between calle 58 and calle 60. The cost of the return trip is around Mex $ 10.

A special element of mobility in Mérida is the horse-drawn carriage. In the vicinity of the "Plaza Grande" (Great Square), a number of carriages line up and wait for passengers, most of whom have a tourist background.

Tourist Attractions

Overview map of Mérida around the Plaza Grande

The center of the city is the district around the "Plaza Grande", and that was already the case in Mayan times. The square has huge laurel trees, which not only give it a certain elegance, but also serve as noise protection for the busy hustle and bustle on the streets. But the laurel trees attract huge flocks of birds, which, especially in the evening at sunset, reproduce a volume that a busy road cannot produce. But this is temporary, because after sunset there is already silence, and so the Zócalo is a lively meeting place for residents, tourists, street artists and traders. The city's most famous tourist attractions can also be found around the Zócalo:

Catedral de San Idelfonso
  • Catedral de San Idelfonso Nr01.png - The oldest cathedral on the American mainland was built in the 16th century from the stones of the temple Xbac-Luum-Chaan of T'Hó. This was exactly in the same place. Construction began almost twenty years after the city was founded in 1561. But it would take another 35 years before the church was to be consecrated and another 200 years until 1774 AD. the bell towers were completed. The church cannot exactly be classified as Baroque and is relatively bare. In addition to the size, the depiction of the 14 Stations of the Cross in the side aisles and the depiction of the baptism of the Maya Kaziken of Manílocated above a gate inside the cathedral. Another special feature is the so-called Cristo de las Ampollas. This wood carving was made in 1645 AD. brought here from the village of Ichmul after, miraculously, she did not fall victim to the flames that, for example, destroyed the church there. Now she rests in a chapel here in the cathedral. This closes directly at the cathedral on the right-hand side Macay (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Arteneo de Yucatán).
  • Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Arteneo de Yucatán Nr02.png - This museum is housed in the former bishop's palace, which is located directly on the Zócalo next to the cathedral. You can see a permanent exhibition with sculptures and pictures by the state's most famous artists. This is complemented by changing exhibitions by local artists.
MACAY (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Arteneo de Yucatán), Pasaje de la Revolución between 58 and 60. Mérida, Yucatán, México. CP 97000. Tel.: 52 999 928-3258, 52 999 928-3236, Fax: 52 999 928-3204, Email: . Open: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Price: free entry.
Casa de Montejo
  • Casa de Montejo Nr03.png - This house on the south side of the Zócalos was built in 1549 by, as the name suggests, the founding family of Mérida. Direct descendants of the Montejo family always lived here until 1978. Although the building was rebuilt in 1850, the original furnishings can still be found. The building has belonged to the city since the last descendants moved out, and the Banamexbank is located on the ground floor. During the opening hours of the bank (Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) the building can be viewed from the inside. But if you come too late, it should be said that the facade alone is worth a visit. Here you can see the family coat of arms and representations of Spanish soldiers and defeated Maya.
Palacio Municipal
  • Palacio Municipal Nr04.png - The town hall of Mérida, which was last painted red, can be clearly recognized by the distinctive clock tower. The building was erected in 1735 and made history in 1821 when the Yucatan independence was proclaimed here. In the directly adjoining cultural center (Centro Cultural Olimpio)Nr05.png Traditional dance performances are often given in the evenings. Just ask for it or pay attention to notices. But you should be on time, as these events are very popular. Those who appear shortly before the start of the event can join a queue, sometimes over a hundred meters long, and hope that a number of guests will leave the area before the end of the event.
Palacio del Gobierno
  • Palacio del Gobierno Nr06.png - Beautiful colonial-style palace on the north side of the Zócalos with a painting exhibition from 1978 from there Campeche native artist Fernando Castro Pacheco, who reproduces the history of Mexico. The building was built in 1892 in a neoclassical style with a large patio and an impressive staircase. Anyone who climbs this and goes into the salon can have a nice view of the Zócalo and the cathedral from the balcony.
  • Museo de la Ciudad Nr07.png - Many objects related to the history of the city are exhibited here. In the old post you can see finds from the Mayan period, historical clothing items for the declaration of independence and of course extensive information on the sisal boom.
Museo de la Ciudad, Calle 61, between 58 and 60. Mérida, Yucatán, México. Tel.: 52 999 923-6869. Open: Tue to Fri 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.Price: free entry.
La Iglesia de Jesús in Mérida
  • Iglesia de Jesús Nr08.png - In 1618 the Jesuits built a large complex of buildings here that took up the entire block. What is left is just this church, which is also called the Iglesia de la Tercera Order. This can be found at Calle 60 and, due to the use of many building materials from former Mayan temples, it can also be viewed completely in white.
  • Peón Contreras Theater Nr09.png - This huge building was erected in the early twentieth century and is still the largest theater on the Yucatán Peninsula. Performances and concerts take place here almost every day. In addition to the cultural offerings, the theater also has a lot to offer in terms of its architecture. Built during the economic heyday and completed in 1908, the large marble staircase and the dome with numerous frescoes by Italian artists are particularly worth seeing. The building is open to visitors from Thursday to Saturday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The building can be found at the corner of Calles 60 and 57.
  • University of Yucatán Nr10.png - The university is opposite the theater. This dates from the 19th century and is an important work by Governor Felipe Carrillo Puerto.

But the city is not just limited to these attractions. If you browse the city outside the center, you will find other attractions:

General map of Mérida
  • Santa LucíaNr11.png - This church on the square of the same name was built in 1575 by the merchant D. Pedro Garcia. It was not until 1804 that the area around this church was declared a plaza of the same name. In 1871 the park was opened to the public and two years later the archways that still exist today were added. In 1887 the obelisk dedicated to General Sebastian Molas was erected.
  • DzibilchaltúnNr12.png - Mayan site, about 17 km from the city center, was inhabited until the arrival of the Spaniards. Today some temples still bear witness to the former size of this city. An ecological park is also waiting for visitors here.
  • Paseo de MontejoNr13.png - At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, an attempt was made to create a new city center with a boulevard. The city center stayed where it was, but it is definitely worth seeing. The first thing that catches the eye is the Monumento a la bandera. This monumental monument is one of the youngest here and was only inaugurated in 1956. It was created by the Colombian artist Rómulo Rozo and is teeming with symbolism. For example, there are 31 columns that represent the 28 states of the Mexican Republic, the 2 territories and the Federal District. The boulevard is lined with numerous magnificent villas, such as house no. 473 (also called the House of the Minaret), which was built in the Moorish style, or house no. 471, which was built in the Greek style. This is particularly interesting Palacio Cantón. The building, which can be assigned to the French Renaissance style, impresses with its grandiose facade with numerous balconies, between which many details of jewelry and ornaments can be discovered. The building is particularly known for the characteristic finials. The construction of the pompous, magnificent building, which General Francisco Cantón Rosado had commissioned in 1909, took a full two years. He himself only lived here for the last six years until his death. The building can be found at 485 Paseo Montejo and houses the Regional Museum of Anthropology. Finds and information from the pre-Columbian era are exhibited here. The exhibition includes explanations of the cosmetic changes made by the Maya in the pre-Columbian phase, such as the flattening of the forehead or the sharpening of the teeth.
Regional Museum of Anthropology, Paseo de Montejo / Calle 43. Mérida, Yucatán, México. Tel.: 52 999 923 0557. Open: Tue-Sat 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 8 a.m.-2 p.m.Price: approx. € 2.00.
Monumento a la bandera, Merida
  • Museo de los Ferrocarriles de YucatánNr14.png - Everything that remains from the railway in Yucatán is exhibited here. Here you can see some more or less restored steam and diesel locomotives. A dream for fans.
Museo de los Ferrocarriles de Yucatán, Calle 43 to 46 at the corner of 50. Mérida, Yucatán, México. E-mail: . Open: irregular. Preferably on the weekend.
  • Estación del FerrocarrilesNr15.png - Passenger trains have not stopped at the station from 1920 for a long time. Nevertheless, this building in neo-colonial style is one of the few well-preserved of its kind and is well worth seeing. The central tower is particularly worth seeing, while many arches and ornaments on the building complex are based on the Moorish architectural style. The train station can be found in Calle 55/48.
  • Iglesia La MejoradaNr16.png - This church also dates from the 17th century. The building adjoining to the north was originally a monastery. This was closed in the 19th century. Today there is an architecture school here, which is sometimes open to inspection on request. Furthermore, here is that Museo de Arte Popular housed. This folklore museum presents manufacturing techniques and styles of local costumes as well as handicrafts, tools and household appliances. The masks from the states are a particular highlight Guerrero, Morelos and Oaxaca represent.
Museo de Arte Popular, Calle59 No. 441 / Calle 50. Mérida, Yucatán, México. Open: Tue-Sat 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Iglesia San ChristobalNo17.png - The construction of this church began in 1756 and was completed in 1796. This makes it one of the youngest churches in the inner-city area. Particularly worth seeing is the large shell-like vault, which can be found above the main entrance, and the extensive walkways on the building, which were laid out for defense purposes. On December 12th every year there is a great procession in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
  • Ermita de Santa IsabelNr18.png - This church on Calle 66 is kept quite simple and was only built in the 18th century. Those who visit the church between 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. can enjoy a baptismal font and a small niche with the picture of Saint Anthony. The beautiful garden with chapel is also impressive.
  • Parque de SantiagoNr19.png - The Santiago district to the west of the city center was originally only inhabited by Maya and ruled by the tribal chiefs. In 1637 the Iglesia de Santiago Apostol was built here, around which there are still some beautiful buildings. If you follow Calle 59 further west, you will reach the Parque de Centenario, the local zoo and theme park.

activities

  • To dance - It's best to visit Mérida at the weekend and drift through the streets
  • Shopping - As the center of the state of Yucatán, the city offers a variety of shopping opportunities that go far beyond the usual souvenir and shopping malls (more under shopping).
  • Discover - Mérida, the white city. Here you can still discover and relate monuments of Mayan history and colonial times.
  • Carriage ride - Discover the city in a horse-drawn carriage. This is certainly the most romantic way to approach the city.

shop

Shopping area in Mérida

This city is the right place for those who want to go shopping. Whether souvenirs, everyday objects or clothing, there is the right address for everything. This can be a unique experience not only for those who like to consume. If you just want to plunge into the local world of shopping, follow Calle 60 in a southerly direction. Shops such as supermarkets, shoe stores or clothing boutiques are lined up here.

Of course, as the center of the Yucatán state, Mérida is also an ideal place to stock up on traditional handicrafts. Here is the Mercado Municipal Lucas de Gálves(Corner of Calles 56A & 57) an ideal place to find something or just to stroll. The following places can also be recommended:

  • Casa de las Artesanías, Calle 63. Tel.: 52 9286676. - Funded by the public sector, this is not reflected in the price, but in the diversity. Those who are urgently looking for local handicrafts of all kinds will find them here. However, the prices are fixed. Acting is of no use.Open: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day except Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Artesanías Bazar García Rejón, Calle 65 x 60. - There are some dealers here who offer a wide range of different products.
  • Camisería Canul, Calle 62. Tel.: 52 9235661. bespoke guayaberas (Mexican shirts) and huipiles (Mexican costumes).Open: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, except Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

kitchen

  • Alberto's Continental Patio, Calle 64 X 57, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Tel.: 52 928-5367, 52 928-6336. - The restaurant is actually a must for a visitor to the city. The building was built in 1727 from the ruins of a Mayan temple and its interior is worth a visit. The calm and refreshing inner courtyard is peppered with Mayan art objects and souvenirs from all over the world. The restaurant also offers very good international cuisine with a local twist. The service is friendly and courteous, so that you usually end up quickly with the extraordinarily rich drinks menu.Open: Daily 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. except Sundays from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.Price: Mains from Mex $ 100.
  • Amaro restaurant, Calle 59 por 60 y 62 Centro Histórico. Mérida Yucatán México. Tel.: 52 999 928-24-51. - In 1787 none other than Quintana Roo was born in this house, who was later to write the declaration of independence from Mexico. The restaurant is located in the inner courtyard and offers live music to match the ambience. The restaurant offers local cuisine combined with crepes and pizza.Open: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., daily.Price: Mains around Mex $ 100.
  • Fe y Esperanza, Calle 60 No.452. Mérida Yucatán México. Tel.: 52 2410995. Simple dishes or a daily menu.Open: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.Price: Daily menu around Mex $ 30.

accommodation

  • Hotel Maria Jose, Calle 64 No. 456 entre 53 y 55, Col Centro, Merida 97000, Mexico. Tel.: 52 866-765-9565. Centrally located hotel, so noisy, simple rooms.Price: approx. € 50.00).

security

Mérida is considered a relatively safe city. Nevertheless, you should be careful of pickpockets, especially when there are crowds, and pay close attention to your hand luggage. Should something happen despite all caution, the best contact is the tourist police (Policía Turística) at 925-25-55. In Mérida, she wears a brown and white uniform.

health

Mérida has one of the best hospital networks in Mexico. Through the medical collaboration with cities such as Houston a dense network of health care could be created here. Many a private clinic exceeds the German standard.

A public hospital is e.g. that

Others are e.g .:

  • Hospital Regional del ISSSTE
  • Hospital Ignacio García Téllez IMSS
  • Hospital Benito Juárez IMSS
  • Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad

A private hospital is e.g. that

  • Centro Médico de las Americas, Calle 54 No.365x33 A y Av. Pérez Ponce, Colonia Centro.

More are

  • Clinica de Mérida
  • Star Médica
  • Centro de Especialidades Médicas
  • Hospital Santelena
  • Centro Médico Pensiones (CMP)

Practical advice

German-speaking residents of Mérida are usually in vain, but meanwhile many residents have adjusted to the increasing number of tourists and speak or understand a few words of English. But a few words of Spanish are still the best way to orientate yourself. But where all else fails, hands and feet and a little pantomime always work ...

The main post office is located at number 469 Calle 53 and is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., only stamp sales are open.

There are plenty of hotspots or locations with wireless LAN access in the city. Most recently, there was even a plan to turn the Plaza Grande into a major hotspot. Nevertheless, some internet cafes were able to hold their own.

  • CiberCat, Calle 84-A, Centro, Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico.
  • Cofynet Internet Cafe, Av.1 # 360 x 60 y Prol. Montejo. Col. Gonzalo Gro., 97118 Merida. Tel.: 52 99 44 74 41, Email: .

trips

Mérida is a popular place to stay for excursions in the Yucatán region. The following excursion destinations are particularly popular:
Chichen Itza El Castillo.JPG
Chichen Itza - Belongs to UNESCO world cultural heritage and is certainly the best preserved and most visited Mayan ruin in Mexico.
Celestun 1.JPG
Celestun - Here it is Reserva de la biosfera Celestun with a large flamingo colony.
Ux-pyr.jpg
Uxmal - Belongs to UNESCO world cultural heritage, with beautiful Mayan architecture, one of the most beautiful ruins in Yucatán; can be used as a so-called Puuc route Kabah, Labná or Sayil connect.

Other worth seeing destinations in the immediate vicinity:

  • Mayapán - This city defeated in the 13th century. the rivals in Chichén Itzá before this in the 15th century. himself went down in a revolt.
  • Progreso important port city, approx. 50,000 inhabitants, bird sanctuary, north of Mérida on the coast.

literature

Web links

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