Mérida’s Churches and Houses of Worship

The city of Mérida has stunning and cherished places of worship. Downtown is Catedral de San Ildefonso, one of Mexico’s oldest cathedrals. The front is done in the Renaissance style, and it holds three naves–a main one and two side ones–three chapels, and the sacristy. Nearby is the Templo de Jesús de la Tercera Orden church, proudly wearing a facade beautifully decorated with plant motifs and carvings.

Very close to the Barrio de San Juan neighborhood is the Templo de la Candelaria, shaded by leafy trees. Flanked by Doric pilasters, the front of the church has rounded stone arches, a stone-framed clerestory window, and is topped by a bell gable. It still retains its gold-plated altarpiece that dazzles whoever sees it. The San Cristóbal neighborhood features Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in all its architectural beauty. Across from Parque Santa Lucía is the Iglesia de Santa Lucía, which still preserves the characteristic structure of the state’s old colonial churches and is very similar to the Templo de la Candelaria.