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Already a major settlement by the time of the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores, Mérida, so named in 1542 by the Spanish after taking it over more than a decade of resistance by the indigenous population, became the main Colonial commercial center of the peninsula.
A mixture of Spanish colonial, Caribbean and traditional Mexican architectural influences, the city, often called the "White City" because of the prevalence of white limestone in its constructions, has a great number of buildings of interest. Some of it's major architectural attractions include the Municipal and Government palaces on the central town plaza and the Cathedral of San Idelfons (1556-1599),which is the oldest on the American continente, the Anthropological Museum, located on Paseo Montejo, and the Regional Crafts Museum, on Calle 59.
The Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno), located on the north side of the Plaza, is home to a collection of 27 murals depicting the history of the State of Yucatan, by artist Fernando Castro Pacheco.
City bus tours and horse-drawn carriage tours are available to get to know the city and environs.
Merida is a city of intense culture and the Municipality proudly celebrates this heritage by providing cultural events to the inhabitants and visitors every day of the year. These activities include theatre performances, street fairs and folk dances (such as the "Jarana" dance that one can watch every Monday night in from of the town hall), musical performances, poetry readings, art film presentations and public art shows.
Museums
Museum of Modern Art of Yucatan (MACAY)
Presents permanent exhibitions of Yucatecan artists as well as temporary shows of both Mexican and International artists. On the plaza next to the Cathedral, corner of Streets 60 and 61. Hours: Wednesday through Monday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Regional Museum of History and Anthropology, or the Canton Palace
One of Merida's most splendid buildings, this palace was the home of General Francisco Canton Rosado, from whence derives its name. It is located on the Paseo de Montejo. Currently it houses the Regional Museum of History and Anthropology, with exhibits of Mayan artifacts. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sundays 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
The Merida Olimpo Cultural Center
Opened in 1999 for the 470th anniversary of the founding of the city of Merida and standing next the Town Hall on the Plaza, the cultural center houses art and video showrooms and galleries, library and auditorium; it is host to a variety of cultural activities and events enjoyed by Merida's residents and visitors.
Museum of Yucatecan Music
Honoring the "Trova" style of Yucatecan music and those who have developed and disseminated this musical genre, the museum features weekly concerts. Located near the Parque Mejorada, it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
