Travel Guide to Merida, Mexico

Merida is one of the oldest cities in Mexico. Tourists are attracted by sunny weather that is the most typical for this place during whole year. In ancient times the Maya settlement named Ichkaanziho, which literally means "city on five hills", was located on the site of a modern city. For several hundreds of years this city was the cultural center of the Maya. During the construction of first settlements the Spanish colonists used the stones that had remained from ancient buildings.

The historic center of Merida is decorated with beautiful old buildings, among which we should definitely mention the Main Cathedral. During the tour guides will surely show you those old rocks, which are also present in the walls of the cathedral. Another architectural landmark, which has survived since middle ages, is the remains of the fortress gates and walls. Once they symbolized the entrance of the city and today the territory of the city has gone far beyond these restrictive gates. Besides historical monuments Merida is rich in museums, exhibitions, and galleries. In some of them you can see the exhibition of works by contemporary painters and sculptors, while others will tell you about the city's history and development. Like any ancient city, Merida keeps a rich collection of archeological artifacts that can be seen by anyone.

While visiting modern movie theaters, restaurants and bars, you'll be amazed by the amazing contrasts of the colonial buildings. Many hotels are opened in old houses, but inside they are beautiful design complexes equipped according to the latest trends in technology. Merida features numerous cultural programs and attractions for visitors of this magnificent place. Tasting of local specialties, walking on the ancient streets of Merida, sightseeing and beautiful legends that shroud the city's history - this is only a small part of activities that should be included into the program of any traveler.