Following in the footsteps of Spain

By Chen Liang (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-05 11:34

While the Mayans left many spectacular mementos of their achievements in the jungle on Yucatan Peninsula, the influence of the Spanish is usually found in cities and towns of the region, such as Merida and Izamal.

Although there were previous Maya settlements in present-day Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan was founded in 1542 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo. It is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas.

Narrow stone-paved streets, colonial buildings and shady parks help make it a charming place to visit. The city center's Plaza Mayor, is a typical Spanish-style square surrounded by Merida's hulking cathedral and the former archbishop's palace, which has been turned into Yucatan Contemporary Art Museum and Atheneum on the east.

The Palacio de Gobierno, which houses the state of Yucatan's executive government offices, is on the north side; the Palacio Municipal, topped by a clock tower, is on the west side; and the mansion of the Montejo family is on the south. They are some of the city's most impressive colonial buildings.

Fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture are easily found around the Plaza Mayor in Merida.

Construction on the cathedral began in 1561 and was completed in 1598. The simple lines, huge columns, lofty dome and clay or stone colors give the structure an impressive spirituality.

There is a coffee house and a bookstore at the roofed walkway in the Palacio Municipal. Sitting with a cup of coffee and watching the locals gather in the plaza, feeding pigeons or chatting, is one of the best ways to appreciate the slow pace of life here.

From the Plaza Mayor, small lanes lead visitors into the city's back-alleys, where most of the buildings are old and whitewashed, hence the name "the White City".

In "the Golden Town" of Izamal most of the houses have been painted yellow. Although Izamal is small it is the site for the region's most important and impressive Franciscan monastery, Converto de San Antonio de Padua.

The convent's construction started in 1533 and was completed in 1562. A stone ramp leads to an arcade and then the monastery's main church. The building is painted yellow and is the main landmark in the town.

It is easy to explore on foot and you will see horse-drawn carriages, police officers controlling traffic with just a stop sign and school children playing in the gardens. The atmosphere of life in another era is most appealing.