First day in Merida. While on a Sunday bike ride, one of the first signs I saw were directions pointing to a Cathedral. And then I was focused: go see this first before anything else. I might have missed countless other historical sites (I figured I'd see them later) but I was tunnel-visioned: this is the first landmark I wanted to see. When I finally found it, I was almost overwhelmed by how majestic the whole structure is. And what I found more amazing is that it still stands five centuries later. I spent a few minutes just (literally) staring at its beauty. Learned a lot about it including all the added fixtures in the 19th century. Lots of interesting facts. I came through a few times in hopes of maybe seeing the inside, but timing never worked out: it was closed every time I got the chance to come through. But not fretting: there will be future opportunities. Here's hoping I get the chance on the next visit. read more

Catedral de San Ildefonso - Churches Near Me - Mérida, YUC

Not particularly ornate, but fabulous in a tastefully simple, powerful way. Could feel God's presence and was quite tranquil just sitting down and relaxing. Must see when in Merida. read more

Beautiful Cathedral from the 1500s. Our tour guide told us this was the first Catholic Church built in Mexico. I highly recommend making time to stop and see this lovely historic gem. read more

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We visited the Catedral de San Ildefonso last week when we were in Merida on vacation. It's located on Plaza Grande, so it's definitely worth checking out with the other attractions on the plaza. Construction of the cathedral began in 1561 and was completed in 1598, making it the second cathedral to be completed in the Americas. The cathedral was built on the site of Mayan ruins of T'ho, and the laborers who built the cathedral used stones from the Mayan temple of Yajam Cumu to build it. The coat of arms on the facade was originally designed to reflect the Spanish royal coat of arms, but was partially destroyed after Mexico's independence and now shows a Mexican eagle wearing the imperial crown of Iturbide in the empty portion of the shield. The interior is worth visiting (they close for a few hours in the middle of the day FYI), but it's the exterior that I found incredibly beautiful. Don't miss it if you're nearby! read more

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Beautiful church, Tour bus should have given more time to explore this So, we stopped at cenote for 90 minutes but our tour bus gave us just 20 minutes to explore Valladolid and nearby areas, great...!! That why I recommend coming by yourself. No doubt church looks very beautiful from outside, but we did not have time, so we just roamed in central park, have churros and then came back. Central Park was full of people, warrior dressed guys, vendors. Streets were looking so beautiful, vibrant, colorful from the bus. We should have stayed here for longer time. I recommend visiting here. It is as vibrant as it can be read more

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El catedral más lindo que e visto, y después de la lluvia está más lindo y hermoso. Ahí área de visitantes que puedes pasar cuando ahí misa en vivo read more

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Gorgeous cathedral. In many Latin American cities and towns, the central cathedral is where the action is. It's the place to see and be seen. It's where locals and gringos alike go to stroll, shop, eat, and just chill. This place is that. Tip: Every Sunday night they have a dance/party here. read more

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This is an impressive cathedral with a rich history. Amazing amount of detail and religious imagery. Located right in front pf the Zocalo where is always something going on. read more

Catedral de San Ildefonso - Churches Near Me - Mérida, YUC

The Cathedral of Merida is also known by its proper name as the Catedral de San Ildefonso. Naturally, as is custom in colonial Spanish towns, the Cathedral is located at the main square and in the center of the City. It is striking and beautiful from the outside, however austere and plain on the inside. Its worth a stop in to take a look and enjoy knowing you've visited the oldest Cathedral in the main land Americas (Santo Domingo, D.R. has the oldest), but outside of that aspect there will not be much to remember. read more

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This cathedral is such a beautiful place. The architecture is incredible. The history here is unbelievable. And the mass held here is definitely an experience everyone should have, whether they're religious or not. read more