With nearly a million residents, Mérida is a fascinating blend of colonial charm and the vibrant features of a cosmopolitan destination. This city, rich in history and culture, is the perfect starting point to explore majestic cathedrals, ancient Mayan ruins, captivating museums, historic haciendas, and the magical cenotes that beautify the region. Additionally, Mérida boasts excellent modern infrastructure, including cinemas, theaters, major hospitals, prestigious universities, and a wide variety of shopping centers.
A Journey to the Past: The Origins of Mérida
The history of Mérida dates back to January 6, 1542, when it was founded by Spanish conqueror Francisco de Montejo. Before the Spanish arrived, Mérida was known as T’ho, a prosperous Mayan city located where the Main Plaza now stands. After the conquest, the Spaniards dismantled the Mayan pyramids and used their stones to build the majestic Cathedral of San Ildefonso (1556-1599), the oldest cathedral on the American continent, which still proudly stands on the east side of the plaza.
A Tour of Mérida’s Treasures
Mérida’s Main Plaza is the epicenter of some of the city's most iconic buildings. Opposite the cathedral is the Municipal Palace (1735), the seat of city government. On the southern side of the plaza, the historic Casa de Montejo (1542) stands as the former residence of the conqueror of Yucatán. To the north, the Government Palace (1892) houses 27 murals by renowned artist Fernando Castro Pacheco, depicting the intense and often violent history of Yucatán.
Paseo Montejo: A Walk through the Belle Époque
At the beginning of the 20th century, the boom in henequen (sisal) trade made Mérida one of Mexico’s most prosperous cities, home to wealthy entrepreneurs who built impressive mansions along Paseo Montejo, the city’s most iconic avenue.
Today, a stroll along this elegant avenue is a wonderful way to admire these architectural gems, some fully restored and others maintaining a romantic decay, sparking the imagination and telling stories of the past.
Yucatecan Safety and Hospitality
Mérida is renowned not only for its architectural and cultural beauty but also as one of the safest and most peaceful cities in Mexico. With a climate similar to Florida or Cuba, Yucatecans are known for their friendliness, hospitality, and deep pride in their city, known as “The White City,” not only for its use of limestone in construction but also for the immaculate cleanliness of its streets, plazas, and parks.
Explore the Heart of Mérida
Every day at 9:30 AM, you can enjoy a free guided tour of Mérida’s Historic Center. For more information, contact 928-2020 Ext. 833 or visit the Tourism Office located in the Municipal Palace’s lower levels at the corner of 61st and 60th streets.
Come to Mérida, a city that combines the splendor of its history with the vibrant energy of a modern metropolis, creating an unforgettable experience for those who visit. Let yourself be captivated by its magic and charm!
About us
The Hotel Nacional Mérida is strategically located in the heart of the Historic Center of the beautiful colonial city of Mérida, known as “the white city”, surrounded by the main tourist sites, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, theaters, old churches, government institutions and shops. In this environment stands the Hotel Nacional Mérida, which for many years has been home to national and foreign tourists who visit the city for pleasure or business, attracted by the variety of attractions of the city, the comfort of the hotel, the quality of its services and the friendly and cordial treatment of its staff, which has made the hotel one of the best of its kind in the city.