MexicoNorth America

Merida is the largest city in the Yucatan area

By October 25, 2021 No Comments

Mérida is the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán as well as the largest city of the Yucatán Peninsula. It was founded in 1542 by Montejo y León and named after the town in Spain. It was built on the site of the Maya city of T’hó (“City of Five Hills”) named in reference to its pyramids.

Much of Mérida’s architecture from the colonial period is still standing in the historical center, which was surrounded by a wall built to protect the city from Mayan revolts. Several of the old Spanish city gates survive, but modern Mérida has expanded well beyond the old city walls.

In the late 19th century the area surrounding Mérida prospered from the production of henequén (a type of agave) and for a brief period Mérida was said to house more millionaires than any other city in the world. The result of this concentration of wealth can still be seen today with many large and elaborate homes still lining the main avenue, Paseo de Montejo. Most of these homes have been restored and now serve as office buildings.

We spent most of our time in the city center visiting the central plaza surrounded with restaurants and historical buildings. It is a nice city to spend a day or two before moving to another area of the country.

Merida will be featured in a travel video I am putting together about our second week in Mexico. We are calling this episode Mayans & Cenotes because we traveled the entire Yucatan Peninsula checking out as many Mayan ruins and cenotes as we can. It will have lots of info plus be lots of fun as you watch Lily and I interact around Mexico!!!! The video will post on YouTube so you can Subscribe to my channel and hit the bell icon to be notified as soon as it airs.

In the mean time you can click the link to watch the first week in Mexico called Beaches & Islands, which features from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. Make sure you FOLLOW me on your preferred social media platform ( InstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebook, and Twitter) so you do not miss one bit of our travels through Lily’s country of Mexico.

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