Casa de Montejo
The 1549 residence of the Montejo family, conquistadors who founded Mérida. Its plateresque stone facade shows a Spanish warrior trampling indigenous people. It is now a free museum.
Casa de Montejo was the residence of the family of Francisco de Montejo, who founded Mérida. It was completed in 1549 and is one of the most important surviving secular colonial buildings in Mexico. The most striking feature is its plateresque-style stone doorway, which depicts Spanish warriors holding long lances and standing on the heads of indigenous people. It openly proclaims the power of the conquerors. The building is owned by a bank and operated as a museum showing furniture and household items of 19th-century high society. It also hosts temporary exhibitions. Admission is free. It is usually closed on Mondays, and hours vary, so check locally.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Plaza Grande (Plaza de la Independencia)
- MACAY Contemporary Art Museum
- Mérida Cathedral (San Ildefonso)
- Government Palace of Yucatán
- José Peón Contreras Theatre
- Lucas de Gálvez Market
- Parque de Santa Lucía
- Ermita de Santa Isabel