Things to do in Mérida

Mérida is the capital and the biggest city in the Mexican state of Yucatan. The city was founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo "el Mozo"and built on the sight of the ancient Mayan city T'ho, which means “city of the five hills”. It's interesting to remember that Mérida was built as a fortified city, which explains the fact that many of its gates remain completely intact.Another distinct aspect about Mérida is its historical center, the second biggest in Mexico, after the one in Mexico City. Mérida is also called “The White City”, due to predominance of the color of limestone used as a construction material.On your itinerary you can't miss a visit to the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, the oldest on the continent. It was built from 1561 to 1598 with stones from the ruins of Mayan pyramids and temples. You can admire the buildings of Plaza Grande and Cristo de las Ampollas (Christ of the Blisters), the most famous religious object in Mérida.