Catedral de Mérida
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MERIDA, YUCATAN
While cruising the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, your stop would not be complete without visiting the historic Catedral de Merida in the city of Merida, Yucatan. The City of Merida on the Yucatan Peninsula is home to the beautiful and historic Catedral de Merida. This is a fantastic temple and a real “must see” activity while visiting the city. |
This grand cathedral was sighted in 1517 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba who led an expedition of Spanish conquerors to the area. By 1518, the Spanish Crown obtained permission from Pop Leo X of Rome to erect a diocese in this region of the Yucatan. And so by January 24, 1519, the bishop of Carolenso or Santa Maria de los Remedios de Yucatan was erected. It would take an additional twenty years before this area of the Yucatan was colonized.
On December 16, 1561, the second erection of the bishopric of the Yucatan took place by Pius IV. This time, the main parish church of Merida was constituted as the cathedral and the bishop’s seat of Cozumel and Yucatan. Fray Francisco Toral was the first resident bishop of the diocese from 1562-1572. He streamlined work on the cathedral factory, including the construction of the temple which was later completed by Fray Juan de Izquierdo in 1598. Architects Pedro de Aulestia, Gregoria de la Torre, and Juan Miguel de Aguero carried out the project of which Aguero was considered as having the greatest design influence. Over the coming years, this incredible cathedral was completed and the task of gathering all the items necessary to make it a house of worship began. There were objects needed such as altars, bells, choir books, and ornaments. In fact, a grant of 24,000 ducats (gold and silver coin) were needed in order to help obtain all the works needed.
Once completed, the colorful temple was highly admired and considered to be one of the most beautiful temples of its time in the Indies. Chroniclers said it was “without a doubt, a most remarkable buildings of its time”. With its massive rectangular cathedral with dimensions of 66.75 meters by 31.30 meters, it is absolutely stunning. The vault is 22.27 high and the dome is 33.60, with the towers reaching 43.50 meters. There are so many amazing details you must see for yourself in order to truly appreciate it. Learn more about Yucatan tours and attractions and cruising Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, with Yucatan Cruises.
On December 16, 1561, the second erection of the bishopric of the Yucatan took place by Pius IV. This time, the main parish church of Merida was constituted as the cathedral and the bishop’s seat of Cozumel and Yucatan. Fray Francisco Toral was the first resident bishop of the diocese from 1562-1572. He streamlined work on the cathedral factory, including the construction of the temple which was later completed by Fray Juan de Izquierdo in 1598. Architects Pedro de Aulestia, Gregoria de la Torre, and Juan Miguel de Aguero carried out the project of which Aguero was considered as having the greatest design influence. Over the coming years, this incredible cathedral was completed and the task of gathering all the items necessary to make it a house of worship began. There were objects needed such as altars, bells, choir books, and ornaments. In fact, a grant of 24,000 ducats (gold and silver coin) were needed in order to help obtain all the works needed.
Once completed, the colorful temple was highly admired and considered to be one of the most beautiful temples of its time in the Indies. Chroniclers said it was “without a doubt, a most remarkable buildings of its time”. With its massive rectangular cathedral with dimensions of 66.75 meters by 31.30 meters, it is absolutely stunning. The vault is 22.27 high and the dome is 33.60, with the towers reaching 43.50 meters. There are so many amazing details you must see for yourself in order to truly appreciate it. Learn more about Yucatan tours and attractions and cruising Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, with Yucatan Cruises.
- For Mass and Confession Schedules at the SI Catedral de Mérida please refer to their website noted below -
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Learn more about the Catedral de Merida by visiting their website.
Address: Calle 60 between 61 and 61 A, Centro Mérida
Phone: 999 928 6131
Address: Calle 60 between 61 and 61 A, Centro Mérida
Phone: 999 928 6131
Updated1/14/21 - lls