Visit Ancient Churches & Cathedrals, Shop For Religious Products, Sculptures, Paintings, Attend Ceremonies
Approx 8 Hour Tour
Merida’s Cathedral of San Ildefonso and Church of the Third Order of Jesus in Mexico
The city of Merida on the Yucatan Peninsula is home to the second oldest Cathedral in the New World, the Cathedral of San Ildefonso. Merida’s cathedral is built on top of the Mayan city of T’ho. Many of the stones used in the construction of the cathedral and other old structures in Merida were taken from the Mayan temples of this ancient city.
Merida's Cathedral, the power of the church crowned with the coat of arms of the state. At night the outside of the Cathedral of San Ildefonso is beautifully illuminated. On the floor of the Cathedral are a large number of grave stones.
Merida was established in 1542 and construction of the San Ildefonso Cathedral was started nineteen years later in 1561. The Cathedral was commissioned by Pope Pius IV and constructed by the builder Juan Miguel de Aguero. Aguero also built the fortifications of Havana Cuba and the Cathedral of Mexico City.
Christ of the Unification or Cristo de Unidad in Merida.
Merida’s cathedral is a huge and imposing building in the center of the city. The inside, with it’s vaulted ceilings and grand columns, is not highly decorated but does feature a huge crucifix. The crucifix, Cristo de la Unidad, is a twenty five foot tall birch wood sculpture by the contemporary Spanish artist Ramón Lapayese del Río. It is supposed to represent unification of the Mayas and the Catholic Church
The Church of Jesus or Church of the Third Order of Jesus, just a block away from the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, is very different in style and feel from its imposing neighbor. This church was built in 1618 by the Jesuit order of the Catholic Church. Fine stained glass windows, chandeliers and paintings adorn the interior.
Includes:
*Tour And Entry Fee
*Bottled Water
*Lunch Typical to the region
*Transportation with air conditioning in all tours with guide
Not included: Drinks at the Restaurant and Tips For Guides and your tour operator.
Bring With You:
*Comfortable Clothes
*Sweater In Case You Are Cold In Van
*Tennis Shoes
*Sun Glasses
*Camera