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In the 1840s English architect and artist Frederick Catherwood joined American explorer John Lloyd Stephens on an expedition across the Yucatán and Central America in search of Mayan ruins. In addition to illustrating Stephens' subsequently published travel journal, Catherwood published a collection of his remarkable lithographs in an edition of 300. Casa Catherwood does not have a direct historic connection with the artist, but does have the only complete collection of his lithographs on display in Mexico, located in a gallery on the upper floor. The building also houses a bed and breakfast and café.
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M$180 with ventilator.
A cultural center where dance performances are staged most evenings. Information on upcoming performances is available in the entrance. These performances are very popular – it is best to arrive early. Shortly before the performance people without tickets gather in a queue stretching sometimes to over 100m, in the hopes that paying audience members leave the performance early and thus vacate a seat.
Ayuntamiento, Old City Hall
Mérida's red city hall, easily spotted by its distinctive clock tower, was built in 1735. From this building in 1821 the Republic of Yucatán declared independence from Spain.
Zócalo, Plaza de la Independencia
In pre-Hispanic times the center of the Mayan city of T'Hó, the central square is at the heart of the historic center of the city. It is surrounded by impressive buildings, most of them built from stones from the Mayan temples which originally stood here. The central park is a pleasant place in which to sit and people-watch, as it is a favorite meeting place of locals, tourists, street performers, and vendors.
M$150 with ventilator, M$250 with air conditioning. Latest possible check-out at 24:00.
The 1549 palace of Montejo the Conquistador. His descendents lived here until 1978. Although the building was extensively remodeled in 1850, some of the original architectural features remain. The ground floor has been converted to commercial use (a Banamex bank with handy ATMs), but the restored interior of the building is open to visitors during banking hours. If you miss an opportunity to have a look inside, the elaborate facade on the outside is alone worth the visit. Elements of the facade include the Montejo family coat of arms, as well as figures of Spanish Conquistadors standing on the heads of conquered native Maya – a graphic illustration of the new order the Conquest imposed.