Catedral de Mérida - San Ildefonso image

Catedral de Mérida - San Ildefonso

Tourist attraction Catholic church Church Cathedral

One of the Top rated Catholic churches in Merida


Address

C. 60, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc., Mexico

Website

catedraldemerida.org.mx

Contact

+52 999 928 6131

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (11.4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 4 to 6:30 pm
  • Saturday: 4 to 6:30 pm
  • Sunday: 4 to 6:30 pm
  • Monday: 4 to 6:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 4 to 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 4 to 6:30 pm
  • Thursday: 4 to 6:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: cathedral (15) Cathedral (9) church (8) show (7) Merida (7) history (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Angus B. 5 years ago on Google
    Pretty cool cathedral, looks even better at night. They have a free pok-ta-pok show out front on Friday nights, but make sure to get there early because it draws a big crowd. The area is really safe because it’s a huge tourist attraction, so you don’t have to worry about walking around there at night.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Robert C. 1 year ago on Google • 1068 reviews
    An impressively large and plain cathedral church. From the outside it appears more like a fortress than a church. Once you venture indoors it takes on more familiar, ecclesiastical looks. The church is laid out in a main nave and two side isles, hall configuration. Outside of its sheer size the interior doesn't offer any memorable architecture, though it is impressive. Very quiet and cool inside, lots of beggars at the entrances.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dejan B. 2 years ago on Google
    The Merida Cathedral is a classic example of Spanish colonial architecture. Such Cathedrals you can see all over Americas, from Mexico down to Peru. It dominates the main Plaza Grande with its massive stonework and two bell towers. Foundations and first levels were built from demolished Mayan temples in the area. Both, inside and outside are not that decorated, but still simple and stylish.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Fiorella C. 6 months ago on Google • 822 reviews
    Pretty church, impressive architecture. The bells are nice to listen to from the town square. The lights in the evening are pretty

  • 5/5 Charles C. 1 year ago on Google • 237 reviews
    Two things about the cathedral. 1) It's the oldest cathedral in the continental Americas, dating from the mid- 1500s 2) They have a lazer mapping onto the cathedral weekly that's amazing. Well worth your time!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rodolfo M. 7 months ago on Google • 116 reviews
    A beautiful cathedral located in Merida's center square. The church has two towers and a cupola. There is daily mass and Sunday mass is offered throughout the day. There are plenty of fans available. Please be mindful when entering the cathedral as people in attendance may be in prayer.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Intense C. 1 year ago on Google • 42 reviews
    This plaza has plenty of trees and benches. There are plenty of outlets spread all throughout, conveniently located behind the benches, so you can sit and relax while you can plug in your device(s) to charge. There's always people walking around, or just chilling there. Not a lot of trash, as compared to other places, I can say that this place is kept clean daily. Police is always present, which adds a sense of safety. Unregulated street vendors and a lot of people going around asking for money becomes annoying real quick, hence the 4 star. Plenty of stores and restaurants are all around for the visitor to enjoy, information/tour centers(businesses) also all over. The Cathedral itself is nice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali G. 2 years ago on Google
    It's such an amazing architecture historical beauty, it's just unbelievable you can appreciate it from any angel if you're at the main plaza. I have a bit more attachment to this amazing building due to the fact that we share the same name Ildefonso can you believe it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 girina k. 1 year ago on Google
    The largest cathedral representing Merida. At Friday night 8pm they have video mapping show on the wall of San Ildefonso. It is about the history of Merida. The graphics are beautiful and special, I recommend you to see them.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laken E. 1 year ago on Google
    Gorgeous Cathedral 😍 the hallway in between fills with the music from within. I loved my visit there!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Manisha 6 months ago on Google • 235 reviews
    Loved the location. The town is pretty nice to roam around, gives historic feeling. The cathedral area is great, lots to shop around, and eat. Loved the marquesita and drinks. There are different shows every evening, sometimes dance shows, sometimes music. Try looking at the site/google before visiting so you can enjoy the show as well. The dance show on weekend was awesome. I would recommend going in evening. Early morning walks are good too.

  • 5/5 Sean Thompson (Master Reviewer & P. 4 months ago on Google • 175 reviews
    The oldest Catholic Cathedral and Church in North America. It was amazing to go to Mass here and experience history. Imagining the millions of pilgrims and Catholics that have worshipped here over centuries. The authentic structure gives the feeling of traveling through time and being in an International landmark is something special. Located directly in Central Mérida Yucatan Mexico across from the plaza is the iconic landmark. The Church is very peaceful and popular for tourists. But, it still functions as a Catholic Church with Masses held daily. This cultural heritage center is where Catholics formed their first Cathedral in North America. Then branching out to form missions throughout North, Central, and South America. You can feel the connection between the past and the present in a Holy Site. Then enjoy the food, shopping, and the cultural park directly across the street. A great place for family to visit and also fellowship in Christ!

  • 5/5 Ashley H. 1 year ago on Google
    Oldest Spanish colonial style cathedral in Latin America. Beautiful and impressive inside and out.

  • 5/5 吴锐恒(Ruiheng Edbalt W. 1 year ago on Google
    The cathedral has a long history and the inside is great.

  • 5/5 Ale 11 months ago on Google
    The Mérida Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Mexico. I recommend watching the light show "Piedras Sagradas" is free.

  • 5/5 Katrina J. 6 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    I have loved visiting this church to experience its culture, heritage and events in Mérida. The Friday light show, Pok tok fire ball Saturday, and market on Sunday all around.

  • 5/5 Edson M. 8 months ago on Google
    An experience on its own. If you are visitng Merida, go to the centro!! Everything is accessible from there. You can grab an uber and not a taxi because taxi’s charge double! Just enjoy life while there and soak in the culture.

  • 5/5 Online N. 1 year ago on Google
    Open only during Mass 8am 10am 5pm Highly recommended! Inside see spectacular vaulted clings and enormous columns. About 500 years old

  • 5/5 Chuchy M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is one of the oldest cathedrals in America. The interior is spectacular and its history is beautiful. Great secrets and stories that AMERICA keeps.

  • 5/5 Annely 1 year ago on Google
    What a beautiful city! Enjoyed my time here a lot

  • 5/5 Weruschka O. 1 year ago on Google
    It is the first cathedral build here and quite spectacular! On a Saturday night the city hosts a free event of the traditional Pok tu Puk ancient Mayan ballgame with all the rituals! It gave goosebumps and it was totally exhilarating! Go early to get good seats right infront of this majestic cathedral!

  • 5/5 J. Isaac B. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool place - lots of people and shops. Great restaurants all around. Felt very safe - no worries. Merida is a great break from the touristy Cancun and Playa Del Caremen

  • 5/5 J D. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Cathedral! So many different events happening at the Cathedral. The light show was great.

  • 5/5 Shannon S. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful historic cathedral with an impressive but slightly austere interior. There is also a side chapel with a cristo negro idol. Please be sure to honor local customs when you visit...no shorts, no tank tops, and no loud talking.

  • 4/5 John Y. 2 years ago on Google
    The main entrance was locked and closed and you have to use the side door to take a peep. The architect is marvelous, majestic and colonial in designs.

  • 5/5 Zacarias M. 2 years ago on Google
    Only sad that we visited the place while at night thus no guided tours. The church from the outside looked spectacular and quite big. The presence of the church is commanding in the plaza as everywhere you go it shows it’s splendor.

  • 5/5 Manuel G. 2 years ago on Google
    A "must have seen"! No question. If you gobto Merida, you should see that.

  • 5/5 Gustavo “Gus” M. 2 years ago on Google
    The rock, the history, they used to have tunnels in the old days. Pure history

  • 4/5 Ruben C. 2 years ago on Google
    Free to visit. The catedral is simple in its design bit a must see in Merida.

  • 5/5 Trizzy 2 years ago on Google
    Nice historical Cathedral , lights shows during the holidays are amazing 👽


Call +52 999 928 6131 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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