First stop in our Mexican trip was in Medida, Capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, and the largest city in southeastern Mexico.

The historical part of Merida is full of charm. Colonial buildings, good restaurants and shops.

Catedral de Merida – Construction of the cathedral of Mérida began in 1561, and it was completed in 1598.

The Cathedral was built by Spaniards on top of Maya Ruins, in order to impose their colonist believed they destroyed the original ruins of T’ho.

Labor for this construction came from Mayans, some of who still practiced their own religion. Laborers used stones from the Mayan temple of Yajam Cumu to build the cathedral.

The coat of arms on the cathedral facade was originally designed to reflect the Spanish royal coat of arms.

Merida’s loveseat- currently you can find them everywhere in the city.  They were first installed in 1015 in the main square.

Legend has it that there was once a very overprotective father in Merida. He had a daughter who was beginning to see a young man in love. The father, very wealthy and jealous, would only let the young people meet in the park.

   

To avoid physical contact between them, he came up with the idea of installing these chairs facing each other.

Walking at night we came across a wedding.

Cenotes Hacienda Macuyche – 

The hacienda itself dates back to the 17th century. The architecture shows the arab influence brought to  Mexico by Spaniards.

The chapel has been reconstructed.

Besides the old ruins the main attraction are the two cenotes.

The first is called Cenote Carlota, named in honor of Emperess Carlota of Mexico, the wife of Emperor Maximilian who ruled Mexico from 1864 to 1867. It is said that Carlota was the first person to swim in the cenote.

The second cenote, known as the Cenote Azul Maya, this one is completely underground.

The two cenotes have beautiful stalactites and stalagmites  coming down the ceiling of the caves.

Cenote X’batun- This cenote was my favorite. It was an open cenote, but the color of the water and the vegetation around made it feel magical. This cenote has a depth of 50 meters (164 feet).

Cenote Dzonbacal- semi-open cenote with crystal clear water, deepens to a rich profound blue.

Below are some images taken of some small towns around merida.

The sandwich below is the best breakfast sandwich that I have ever had. The name was “Madame Divina” it had Cheese, becon, eggs, potatoes and that amazing souce. If I have the opportunity to go back I will stop at La Casta Divina.