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Plaza Mayor
Merida's city life starts here as it's an important landmark as well as a
common meeting place. There are many sights of the old buildings to be
seen as well as parks and benches to relax and observe the city's ambience.
La Casa de Montejo
A broad boulevard lined with trees and modern sculptures by Yucatecan
artists just south of the main Plaza. Distinctive with its plateresque
style, La Casa de Montejo is bordered by several magnificent high-European style
mansions built around the end of the 19th-century.
Cathedral de San Ildefonso
The Cathedral de San Ildefonso was built in the later half of the
16th-century, thereby making it one of the oldest church in North America.
The church is embellished with grand domes and gorgeous rose windows, and the
statue of Cristo de las Ampollas (Christ of the Blisters) in a chapel to the
left of the main altar in particular is worth a visit.
Museo de Antropologia e Historia
Originally constructed as a governor's residence in the first decade of the
20th century, the museum unites its attractive architecture with an
extraordinary number of archaeological treasures unique to the region.
Monumento a la Patria
This is a gigantic Neo-Maya sculpted monument relating to Mexican history,
located about ten blocks from the Museum of History of Anthropology. It's
easily spotted if you take the bus out to Progreso.
Macay Museum
The Macay is located in the building which was the old "Peninsular
Athenaeum" whose construction goes back to the beginning of the time of the
Spanish conquest. This is indeed the finest art museum in the state with
permanent and temporary exhibits from many accomplished art masters.
Paseo Montejo
The traditional Paseo Montejo was designed to emulate the Champs Elysees has
three story mansions with beautiful balconies that exhibits vivid colors and
harmonious lines as well as a pointed tower.
60th Street
A stroll down through this enchanting street reveals beautiful parks and
buildings, among them the Hidalgo Park, the Autonomous University of Yucatan,
the Church and Park of Santa Lucia and the Peon Contreras Theater.
Puerto Progreso
A sprawling port town of Puerto Progresso 33km north of Merida is a place to
go for fresh seafood as well as marina activities. The gently sloping
sandy beach and clear blue water makes this place an attractive spot to be any
time of the year.
Kabah
A visit to Kabah is a must for any admirer of the Maya civilization.
This is a precious archaeological complex where remains of the great Mayan
culture can be observed, studied, and revel in its beauty and grandeur.
The Cenotes
The cenotes are the underground rivers whose sweet freshwater filter through
the limestone surface of the caves. The crystalline water provides a good
source for household use as well as recreation.
Celestun
The small fishing port of Celestun 92km wes of Merida is a nature reserve
well-known for flamingos. Migratory birds fly down from North America to
his warmer climate during the winter season, making birdwatching here immensely
enjoyable. There are also boat tour of the mangrove lagoon and plenty of
seafood restaurants by the beach.
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