Standing out among thousands of ancient colonial-style monuments that make up the Centro Historico of Merida City, the enormous Cathedral dedicated to San Ildefonso is not only an invaluable architectural work but also a point of reference for thousands of Yucatecans and tourists who travel daily through the busy streets.
Photo by Edgar Mosqueda
Located in the heart of The White City between 60 and 61 streets and Pasaje de la Revolucion, in front of the Plaza Grande. It can be visited every day for free, offering masses on different schedules, and every Sunday at 9 a.m. they offer a mass in English at the El Divino Maestro Chapel.
Join me as we discover 8 fun curiosities about this National heritage!!
1- The construction of the Cathedral of San Ildefonso was ordered by Pope Pius IV and King Philip II after the conquest of the Mayan city of “Tho” in 1561.
2- In the beginning, the construction was carried out by the Spanish architect Pedro de Aulestia. However, it was the architect Juan Miguel de Agüero who, together with indigenous labor later finished the building.
Photo by Iván Cauich
3- The Cathedral of San Ildefonso was built with stones that once formed Mayan pyramids and it wasn’t finished until 37 years after it began construction, by 1598. It used to have the Spanish royal coat of arms of Philip II sculpted in stone but it was replaced in 1822 by the post-colonial national coat of arms.
4- It’s considered the oldest church in America, the architectural details are from a Renaissance style in the façade, Moorish in its towers and interior, while the altarpieces that it houses within its walls boast a Baroque style.
Source: commons.wikimedia.org
5- Originally the Cathedral of Mérida was composed of five chapels, However, in 1916 by General Salvador Alvarado’s orders, the chapels of San José and Capilla del Rosario were looted and destroyed to separate the Cathedral from the headquarters of the Episcopal Palace, which today houses the MACAY Museum of Contemporary Art of Yucatán.
Source: 101museos.com
6- Within the cathedral Parts of an old clock are preserved. This clock was built in London in 1731 and for a long time helped the people of Merida to be always on time but it stopped working by 1871.
7- Until a few years ago, the Cathedral of Mérida required the work of a bell ringer who was in charge of ringing the bells half an hour before each mass.
8- It has one of the most significant indoor representations of Christ in the world. You can see an impressive birch wood sculpture on the main altar representing the “Christ of Unity”. Inaugurated in 1967 by the Spanish sculptor and painter Ramon Lapayese del Río. It measures 7.65 meters high and rests on a 12-meter wooden cross.
On top of exploring the interior of the Cathedral, you can enjoy other cultural activities. During night or on the weekends, the streets of Merida become a party place so that locals and travelers can enjoy traditional dances, music, and authentic food and snacks in a safe and festive atmosphere.
Friday: “Pok ta Pok” Mayan ball game.
Marvel at the history of the Mayan culture through the representation of “Pok ta pok”, a ball game and ritual of asking for fertility and pleasing The Gods, which were carried out on significant astronomical dates such as the equinoxes and solstices.
Where?
Esplanade of the San Ildelfonso Cathedral
Every Friday from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
source: isla.merida.gob.mx
Saturday: Video Mapping over the Cathedral
The façade of the Cathedral of San Ildefonso is filled with color with this audiovisual show, accompanied by a 12-verse narrative, which will guide you on a journey through the history of this temple and the ancient Mayan city.
Where?
Esplanade of the San Ildefonso Cathedral
Every Saturday at 9:00 p.m.
source: yucatan.travel
Sunday: Mérida on Sunday
The Centro Historico of Merida closes its streets to vehicular traffic and becomes a town fair where you can find everything from authentic Yucatecan crafts, old books, typical snacks, and traditional drinks, to folklore shows and recreational activities for children and adults.
Where?
Centro Historico
Every Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Photo by Gaspar Segura
By visiting the Cathedral of San Ildefonso you won’t only connect with the Catholic religion but you’ll be amazed by the detailed architecture and the history within
Hope to see you soon around Plaza Grande to have an Authentic Local Experience while tasting all of The Yucatecan Dishes You Must Try while visiting the Yucatan Peninsula.
-(Not-so) Saint Abbey.
