Cathedral de Mérida

Cathedral de Mérida

Cathedral de Mérida
4.5
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  • PPCI-BG
    Bergamo, Italy124,790 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    huge crucifix
    The Cathedral of San Ildefonso was built in the second half of the sixteenth century on the site of a Mayan temple in the city, already abandoned before the conquest that the Spaniards found here. It is therefore one of the oldest and has a simple elegance and structural beauty. Inside you can see the large crucifix about eight meters high while the floor is covered with tombstones. The lighting of the facade in the evening is also beautiful.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 13, 2024
  • mb502017
    Canada30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must
    The Cathedral is a must to visit. The history and beauty is remarkable. The city has several shows during the week In the town square across from the Cathedral. A light show encompassing the cathedral facade was one of the fantastic shows put on, truly amazing.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 25, 2024
  • Sofia S
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My experiencia in the cathedral
    The cathedral is beautiful, it has very present ancient architectural details but it still looks in good condition. Inside it is completely beautiful, and gives you a feeling of peace and harmony. Its floor and ceiling are beautiful. I loved visiting it. The cathedral was built in 1562-1598. The style is considered Renaissance, Marianist and Herrerian; but inside it has a Moorish style. It is the headquarters of the archdiocese of Yucatan and the first cathedral built in continental America, the second largest nationally, and it is also the oldest cathedral in Mexico. Inside it has beautiful ancient religious paintings and has architectural details that represent the Mayan culture. The people who normally visit this place are tourists and Catholic people. It is undoubtedly a place that you cannot miss when you visit Merida, Yucatan.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written February 28, 2024
  • Karime L
    Merida, Mexico3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Catedral de San Ildefonso.
    This cathedral is really beautiful. and has a lot of history and i really recommend it. The Catedral de San Ildefonso in Mérida, Yucatán, began in 1561. It has undergone various renovations and is a mix of architectural styles, including Spanish Colonial and Renaissance.Talking about art the cathedral features a wealth of religious art, including ornate altars, sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts. The interior is adorned with colonial-era artwork, and the altars are known for their Baroque and Churrigueresque styles. The cathedral also houses a collection of religious relics and colonial religious art. The Catedral de San Ildefonso is historically significant as one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. It holds cultural and religious importance for the people of Mérida and the Yucatán region. The cathedral stands as a symbol of the Spanish colonial influence in the area and serves as a religious and architectural landmark. During the colonial period, the cathedral attracted both the Spanish clergy and the indigenous population who converted to Christianity. The cathedral served as a center for religious activities and played a crucial role in the spread of Catholicism in the region. The local Spanish and Creole population, as well as indigenous communities, would have visited the cathedral for religious ceremonies, baptisms, weddings, and other significant events.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 5, 2024
  • carlos eduardo h
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yucatan is worth visiting. It is within your reach.
    The city is very beautiful, the only thing is the weather, from May to August is the hottest season, however it is worth going at any time of the year, we stayed four weeks and we did not manage to see everything there is to see, Since in addition to the city of Mérida, there are many places nearby to see, whenever I can I will travel to Mérida and the state of Yucatán again. I recommend to anyone who is planning to visit that destination, talk to anyone who has traveled to Yucatán, consult the ways to get there, plane, bus, etc. lodging and gastronomy options, places to visit in the city of Mérida and its surroundings and complement with the Yucatan magazine today, where you will also find some options for cultural activities in the state.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written May 22, 2024
  • I L
    Serbia17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The symbol of the city
    Beautiful cathedral, thr dymnol of Merida City! In front of it is a beautiful park where all the celebrations in the city take place. Tip: next to it on the corner is a very good place that sells gorditas. Go and give it a try. They are delicious
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 1, 2024
  • E A
    Fort Worth, Texas105 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must see
    Must see in Merida especially that it’s the oldest cathedral in Mexico, completed at the end of the 16th century. Don’t listen to reviews that it’s boring inside: it is perfect example of architecture for that specific period of time and greatly preserved. I wanted to see a giant crucifix behind the church's altar, which is said to symbolize the reconciliation between the Spanish and Mayan people but sadly couldn’t because cathedral has very limited hours for tourists.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,103 reviews
Excellent
1,177
Very good
663
Average
241
Poor
20
Terrible
2

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Karen
Merida, Mexico716 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Solo
This is the oldest cathedral in North America and it built upon a Mayan temple (all churches here are built on a former Mayan plinth). I live locally and pass by several times a week. The only time it is open for visits is Sunday morning and afternoon. Occassionally on Saturdays. You are allowed to see it from the sidelines while mass is going on. It takes 10 minutes tops and is free.
Written June 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Christina M
San Diego, CA293 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Friends
It was much larger than I expected it to be. It dwarfs the surrounding buildings and is breathtaking. You can go inside in the evenings - sometime around 5 to 6. We heard different times from the locals. It just re-opened for the first time in 2 years for a Mayan festival.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

townbytown
Thailand132 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020
My first time at the cathedral happened to coincide with a marriage ceremony and I was invited to join the gathering if I wished (the other option would have been to just wander about towards the exit). The bridal party donned a burgundy and silver theme and all had masks that mirrored those colors. A perfect metaphor for adapting to what is needed during the pandemic while reflecting on the different purposes that the cathedral has been called upon to serve over its long history. The crucifix on the alter is very modern and leaves one open to various interpretations of the artist’s work. A stark contrast to the more functional orientated building. I've been back to the cathedral several more times and continue to find new aspects to consider.
Written December 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laly912
La Serena, Chile1,207 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Friends
The Cathedral is a historic monument, it is the oldest church in Mexico.
It has a Renaissance style,
dedicated to San Ildefonso, inside there are baroque altarpieces.
It struck me that inside the church there were fans,
ideal solution to withstand high temperatures in March.
Invite you to prayer!!
Automatically translated
Written August 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James
St. Petersburg, FL11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Solo
This is a very simple and amazing church in what is the center of the centro area. Worth a visit. Great for understanding the history of how they colonized the Mayan’s. NOT just open Sundays as someone posted. They have mass every morning and it is open during those services until around noon. I visited on a weekday morning, no problem. Perhaps a late afternoon time too.
Written December 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Doc S
41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The cathedral is a beautiful structure. It has been one of the focal points of the community for hundreds of years and continues to be such to this day. There is an evening laser light show that is as much for the local residents as it is for tourists (perhaps more the prior). The light show is preceded with Mayan dance and a demonstration of a Mayan game/competition. The light show itself teaches about the cathedral and what all of the sculptures on the outside mean and why they were included and give a great deal of history. This is a great way to keep the young people educated on their heritage.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeanette Slagt (de Emigratie Coach)
Merida, Mexico391 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Nice church to visit when in Merida, it is right in the city square where there is a nice cafe to have a drink or breakfast with a view of the Cathedral. Make sure to also visit at night, to see the lights. Best views you have from the museum at one of the sides of the square, the top floor balcony.......make sure to get a photo from here.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

procooker
Fayetteville, GA46 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I had the opportunity to visit the Merida Cathedral during a Saturday evening service. The church was absolutely beautiful and filled to capacity. The architecture was amazing and the acoustics made it possible to hear wherever you were seated.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GoGo2SlowGo
Denton, TX1,442 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
The cathedral construction began in 1562 and finished in 1598. At least some of the stonework was taken from Mayan temples that were destroyed by the Spanish. It is not ornate with a very large wooden cross serving as the primary artifact.
We came on a Sunday and the worshipers were reverent and the service was topical - talking about the day of the woman (or day without women) which is to occur tomorrow.
The cathedral is beautiful both inside and out. During the day, the facade is beautiful but at night - it takes on a glow.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Perpetual Motion
Florida501 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Located on the Zocolo. Oldest church in mainland America. Partially built using stone cannibalizes from original Mayan structures. If you look closely at the wall on Calle 59 you will see some stones bearing Mayan inscriptions. The interior is spartan dominated by a huge cross fashioned using one tree. Worth a look.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Cathedral de Mérida, Merida

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