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Merida Cathedral (Catedral de San Ildefonso)
Monument

Merida Cathedral (Catedral de San Ildefonso)

Riviera Maya & the Yucatan
4.7
(850 reviews)
22
Tours Available
Free (donations welcome)
Adult Entry
1 hour
Recommended Duration
November-March
Best Time

Overview

Mérida Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of San Ildefonso, is a stunning example of Spanish colonial architecture. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas and a significant religious and historical landmark in Yucatán.

It is the oldest cathedral in mainland America, built using stones from the nearby Mayan pyramids.

Religious Historical Architectural

Location

Address

Calle 60, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán

Neighborhood: Centro Histórico

Coordinates

20.979930, -89.622410

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
tuesday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
wednesday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
thursday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
friday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
saturday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
sunday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Admission

Adults
Free (donations welcome)
Children
Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

November-March

Best Time of Day

Early morning

cooler temperatures and fewer tourists

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
30 minutes
Recommended
1 hour
Full Experience
2 hours

Seasonal Highlights

spring

warm and sunny

  • • fewer crowds
  • • pleasant weather

summer

hot and humid

  • • open air masses

autumn

cooler and less humid

  • • festive decorations

winter

pleasant and cool

  • • Christmas decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Dress modestly
  • Respect silence
  • Check mass times

What to Bring

essential

ID comfortable shoes water

recommended

camera sunhat

seasonal

umbrella light jacket

not allowed

large backpacks weapons

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low

  • • dehydration in summer

Medical facilities: nearby clinics

Payment Information

Accepted

cash, cards

Currency

Mexican Peso

Typical Costs

donation $50 MXN
parking $30 MXN
souvenirs $100 MXN

Dress Code

modest clothing, comfortable shoes, closed-toe shoes, shorts, tank tops

Booking Tips

  • • none required
  • • official website
  • • not applicable
  • • not available

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Merida Tourist App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Map, Guided tours

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Plaza Grande

Charging Stations: nearby cafes

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport

Distance: 10 km

Travel Time: 20 minutes

taxi
$200 MXN 20 min
public_transport
$20 MXN 30 min

From City Center

Distance: 1 km

walking
15 min
bicycle
$20 MXN for rental 10 min
taxi
$50 MXN 5 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Important religious and cultural site

Historical Significance: Built with stones from Mayan ruins

Insider Tips

  • Best views from Plaza Grande
  • Local market nearby for food

Local Recommendations

  • • Try local food at nearby market
  • • Ask about local legends

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hola
thank_you Gracias
where_is ¿Dónde está?
how_much ¿Cuánto cuesta?
beautiful Hermoso
ticket Boleto

Guide Languages: Spanish, English

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Wide angle

Result: Grand facade

#MeridaCathedral #Yucatan

Photography Rules

allowed areas exterior, nave
prohibited areas altar, sacristy
flash photography not allowed during services
commercial photography permit needed
drone policy prohibited
tripod policy restricted
selfie sticks allowed

Nearby Attractions

Plaza Grande

Distance: 50m

Walking: 1 min

Type: Square

Palacio de Gobierno

Distance: 100m

Walking: 2 min

Type: Government building

Museo Casa Montejo

Distance: 200m

Walking: 4 min

Type: Museum

Reviews

4.7

Based on 850 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Visit early"
  • "Donate for a better experience"
  • "Combine with Plaza Grande"

Contact Information

Related Tours & Activities (6)

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Quick Info

Available Tours

22

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

850

Adult Entry

Free (donations welcome)

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