Mérida Yucatán - Colonial capital city of Yucatan state, Yucatan peninsula, Mexico

Mérida

Mérida, nicknamed "The White City", was founded in 1542 by the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Montejo, after marching across the peninsula from the Mayan port of Xel-Ha. Mérida has the one of the largest centro historico districts in the Americas. Large and small colonial homes line the city streets to this day, in various states of disrepair and renovation; the historical center of Mérida is currently undergoing a minor renaissance as more and more people are moving into the old buildings and reviving their former glory.

Culture

Mérida is a cultural center, featuring multiple museums, art galleries, restaurants, movie theatres and shops. Mérida retains an abundance of beautiful colonial buildings and is a vibrant cultural center with music and dancing playing an important part in day-to-day life.

Don't miss nearby sights

Mérida is a perfect destination to stay to not only visit the city but as a jumping off point for day trips to Celestun, Izamal, the Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltun, Mayapan and Uxmal and to visit some of the Colonial Haciendas where henequen was cultivated (known as sisal).