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Plaza and cathedral · Mérida, Yucatán
Plaza Grande y Catedral de San Ildefonso
Main square of Mérida, with the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, from the 16th century, the Casa de Montejo and the Government Palace, with murals about the history of Yucatán.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Plaza Grande y Catedral de San Ildefonso
The Plaza Grande is Mérida's main square, laid out on the site of the ancient Maya city of T'hó. It is tree‑lined, with stone benches shaped like lover's chairs, and is surrounded by the most important colonial‑era buildings.
On the east side stands the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, built between 1561 and 1598 with stones from Maya structures, one of the first cathedrals in the Americas. The interior is sober, with a large wooden cross on the altar. On the south side, the Casa de Montejo, from 1549, has a carved façade with figures of conquerors treading on heads, reflecting the spirit of the conquest.
On the north side, the Government Palace houses a series of murals by painter Fernando Castro Pacheco about the history of Yucatán, from Maya origins to the revolution. The Municipal Palace, on the west side, completes the square.
On Sundays the surrounding streets are closed to traffic and the square hosts a craft and food fair and traditional dances. At night, on certain dates, there are light projections on the cathedral façade.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning, to enter the cathedral and the palaces, or on Sunday with the fair. In the late afternoon the square is cooler.
How to get there
It is located in Mérida's historic center, between streets 60, 61, 62 and 63. It is within walking distance from the central neighborhoods.
Tip
Enter the Government Palace to see Castro Pacheco's murals. Return at night, when the square fills with families.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza Grande y Catedral de San Ildefonso
When was the Mérida cathedral built?
Between 1561 and 1598, using stones from the Maya constructions of T'hó.
What is there to see in the Government Palace of Mérida?
The murals by Fernando Castro Pacheco about the history of Yucatán.
What happens on Sundays at the Plaza Grande?
The streets are closed to traffic and there is a fair with handicrafts, food and traditional dances.