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Plaza · Mérida, Mérida
Plaza Bolívar de Mérida
The central praça of Mérida, with the equestrian statue of Bolívar, trees and benches, and the Catedral Basílica da Imaculada Conceição, in a style inspired by the cathedral of Toledo. Beside it, the Palácio Arquiepiscopal houses a museum of sacred art.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Plaza Bolívar de Mérida
Plaza Bolívar has been Mérida's center since the city's founding in the 16th century. It is a tree-lined plaza with flowerbeds, benches and the equestrian statue of Simón Bolívar in the middle, surrounded by the city's public and historic buildings. It is a meeting point for merideños and students, with activity throughout the day.
On the northeast side stands the Catedral Basílica Menor da Imaculada Conceição, the city's main church and the seat of the archdiocese. Construction took many decades, between the 19th and 20th centuries, and the stone façade, with towers and ornate portals, follows a style inspired by the cathedral of Toledo, Spain. The interior has high naves, altars and stained glass.
Beside the cathedral, the Palácio Arquiepiscopal houses the Museu Arquidiocesano, with sacred art, images, colonial paintings and two old bells dated 909 and 912, which are among the oldest in the world. Around the plaza are also historic buildings and those of the Universidad de Los Andes.
From the plaza, the downtown streets descend in a grid to the praça Las Heroínas, where the teleférico is located, and to the Mercado Principal to the west. The center is best explored on foot.
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 1 hour for the plaza and the Catedral; another hour for the Museu Arquidiocesano.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the plaza fills with students and families, or in the morning when the Catedral is open. The hours of the Catedral and the museum vary; confirm before you go.
How to get there
It's located in downtown Mérida, about 1 km on foot from Plaza Las Heroínas and the cable car, and a few blocks from the downtown guesthouses.
Tip
Enter the Cathedral and then look for the Museu Arquidiocesano next door to see the bells of 909 and 912. Combine it with the Mercado Principal on the same outing.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza Bolívar de Mérida
Is the Mérida Cathedral old?
Construction took many decades, between the 19th and 20th centuries. The façade follows a style inspired by the Cathedral of Toledo in Spain.
What is in the Archdiocesan Museum?
Sacred art, colonial images and paintings, and two bells dated 909 and 912, among the oldest in the world.
Can you walk from the plaza to the cable car?
Yes, the Mukumbarí station at Plaza Las Heroínas is about 1 km on foot.