Yucatan

MERIDA

'The White City' 

Merida, the state capital is better known as the “White City”. Up until 500 years ago it was the ancient Mayan city of T’ho or Ichcaansihó, or “Face of Infinity”. Merida was founded in the year 1542 by Francisco de Montejo, “El Mozo” (The younger), after he overcame various Mayan lords. The splendid temples and places of worship reminded him and the Spanish warriors the beautifully carved limestone buildings with their ancient Roman moldings of Merida Spain and inspired de Montejo to baptize this city with the same name as the imperial and secular Spanish metropolis. 

Today, viewing the streets you can’t help but fell the romantic, provincial atmosphere, testimony to a past rich in history and legend. In spite of modern touches, Merida has conserved her colonial flavor, full o light and color in every corner. After dark a delightful transformation takes place, when horse-drawn carriages and sidewalk cafes appear as if from nowhere, and mestizos and troubadours fill the starry night with music and poetry.