Merida, Mexico
Posted on August 21, 2008
Filed Under Mexico vacations |
What’s with the Yucatan Peninsula? Basically, the area has a number of beaches and resorts that just are behind the coastline and other islets. It is also the home of some archeological sites like Coba, Chichen Itzam, Tulum and Uxmal. But when you travel more in the State of Yucatan, a state of Mexico, one of the three states of the peninsula, you’ll observe the true meaning of the vicinity. In Merida, the capital and grandest city of the Mexican state of Yucatan, also has a exceptional cultural life as influenced by the whole region of the peninsula. It is the cultural capital of the Yucatan Peninsula. Merida is known as ‘White City’. Try to look for a map and you’ll know why. The whole city is almost white. There are many explanations, but the most accepted is because of the large use of white limestone and white paint this traditional city depicts much of the splendor of Colonial Mexico. The metropolitan area includes the municipalities of Merida, Uman and Kanasin.
Most tourist attractions of the city are the historical and archeological spot that reflects how wealthy the cultural heritage the Peninsula has. The peninsula is the center of the Mayan civilization. Although some of the peninsula boast the world top beaches, Merida has focused itself to maintain and conserve the remains of Mexico’s past. In the center of the city, you can visit cathedrals and churches. The very notorious Mayan ruins, museums, haciendas and cenotes are also located here. For tourist who wants to see all of these in one day, the most convenient way is to ride a Turibus. From the name itself you know what it can serve you. It is similar to buses used in London, Madrid, New York and Mexico City. There are a lot of destinations and you can use these red buses to visit at least five designated stops around the city on your own time schedule.
With the Turibus you can visit much of Merida’s architecture an museums from the Colonial period through the 18th century and 19th century. Almost all are still standing in the centro historico of the city. The MACAY Museum has the work of Yucatecan artists like Fernando Castro Pacheco, the painter of murals in the Governor’s Palace. There is also a sculpture exhibit just outside the entrance in the walkway between the entrance and the cathedral. Pacheco’s work at the Governor’s Palace is best for those who love contemporary art. It has interior arched courtyard, an upstairs gallery and the balcony are the sites for a display of paintings of Pacheco. Another is the Merida City Museum. It is located in the beautiful and majestic Ex-Federal Post Office palace. This building has special architectural characteristics that make is historically valuable.
Merida is also a good base from which to observe the Yucatan Peninsula’s Mayan archaeological sites, such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Chichen Itza is one of Mexico’s eminent sites. It was the political, religious and military center of the North of the Yucatan Peninsula. The most well-known building of Chichen Itza is the Castillo which was dedicated to Kukulcan, the Plumed Serpent. Uxmal on the other hand is the most eminent site of the Puuc region. The Pyramid of the Dwarf dominates the site. Many of the buildings are arrayed in ornate stone carvings while Mayapana was considered the last exceptional Mayan stronghold. The archaeological zones contain mural paintings. Mayapan has a Castillo which is a replica of the one in Chichen Itza.
All in all, Merida has a wealthy cultural life. The city also has authentic spots such as Celestun Biosphere Reserve where you could see assortment of original species including sea turtles, crocodiles, monkeys, jaguars, white-tailed deer and several migratory birds, but most tourist go to see the flamingos. There is so much to enjoy the area. Many free concerts, performances and other events are held daily. With Merida, a worthwhile vacation is possible.
For more information:
Comments
One Response to “Merida, Mexico”
Leave a Reply
I’ve been telling my co-workers all day long to come here and read this text - thanks for the share!!