One of the oldest cathedrals in Mexico, the Catedral de San Ildefonso at Merida is worth the visit. The Church is situated in the city’s center, so you don’t have to travel much further if you stay at Merida.
Even though the Church doesn’t have any extravagant décor, its stone construction and history are enough to make it a popular tourist attraction.
Just make sure to get your Mexican car insurance before you travel to see this ancient architecture.
A brief history of the cathedral
The Catedral de San Ildefonso, also known as the Merida Cathedral, was the first finished Church in the Americas and was constructed between 1561-1598. Once, this cathedral was adorned with exotic elements, but now the interior is meager because of the Mexican Revolution era looting.
The entire edifice is made from the stone used to build the previous Church. It is built on the site of an old Mayan temple. You will find a 25-foot-tall Cristo de la Unidad crucifix (Christ of Unity), the Cristo de las Ampollas monument (Christ of the Blisters), and several portraits of the native chiefs in the Church. Unfortunately, the flashy decorations, intricate ceilings, and other wealthy elements are no more.
The Christ of Blisters in the small chapel is believed to have been carved from a tree that was struck by lightning. The locals say that the statue is the only piece of the previous Church’s artifact that has survived the fire, which destroyed the former chapel.
Why must you visit the cathedral?
The cathedral is one of the oldest structures in Mexico and resembles a fusion of Spanish and Mayan cultures. The Christ of Unity represents this union. Moreover, the Church is filled with portraits of Mayan chiefs and Christ statues, and the Church itself was built on a Mayan site.
If you are curious about religion, history, and culture, then this is where you need to be. The cathedral guides will provide you with detailed outdoor and indoor tours. The most interesting detail you want to see is a large crucifix behind the Church’s altar that the locals claim represents the rapprochement of the Mayan and the Spanish people.
You can also see the picture that depicts Tutul Xiu, the indigenous leader of the Mayan town, paying his respects to his Spanish ally, Francisco de Montejo, at Tho at the South door. Xiu and de Montejo had defeated the Cocomes, and Xiu later turned Christian. His descendants still live in Merida.
Other than this, you can also witness a brilliant light show at the Church during the sunset. Altogether, the Church is a must-visit due to its amazing history. It’s a safe place, and even solo travelers can visit it.
Conclusion
The Catedral de San Ildefonso is one of the ancient structures in Mexico, located at Merida. The Church is easy to visit as it is located in the middle of the town. There are no particular dress codes, but the guides recommend you to go for formal wear. Just make sure to get your Mexico car insurance for Inland Empire before you visit.