Casa Morisca (Moorish House), Merida
Casa Morisca, also known as the Moorish House, is a captivating architectural gem nestled in the heart of Merida, Mexico. This remarkable residence, constructed in 1909, has a storied history marked by periods of neglect and painstaking restoration.
Originally commissioned by Genaro P茅rez y Santos, a merchant hailing from Pontevedra, Spain, Casa Morisca was intended to be a shared abode with his Yucatecan wife, Mar铆a Alzina. Genaro and his brother Federico, both traders, along with Jos茅 Mar铆a Pino Dom铆nguez, went on to establish a carbonated water company鈥攁 testament to their entrepreneurial spirit.
The distinctive Casa Morisca boasts 24 rooms and showcases a unique blend of French and Moorish architectural styles, which immediately set it apart. During the 1920s, it served as the United States Consulate, and in the 1930s, it transformed into a maternity hospital, embodying its adaptive nature over the years.
Intriguingly, this historic house even played a role in the world of cinema when scenes from the 1977 movie "La Casta Divina" were filmed within its walls. At that time, the Chapur family was among its notable owners.
In 1991, architect Eduardo Millet C谩mara undertook a comprehensive restoration, breathing new vitality into Casa Morisca. Fast forward to 2017 when the property changed hands once more, and this transition marked the beginning of a gradual renovation and expansion process. While the original building is steeped in intricate Moorish and French architectural details, the newer section adopts a contrasting modernistic design.
Originally commissioned by Genaro P茅rez y Santos, a merchant hailing from Pontevedra, Spain, Casa Morisca was intended to be a shared abode with his Yucatecan wife, Mar铆a Alzina. Genaro and his brother Federico, both traders, along with Jos茅 Mar铆a Pino Dom铆nguez, went on to establish a carbonated water company鈥攁 testament to their entrepreneurial spirit.
The distinctive Casa Morisca boasts 24 rooms and showcases a unique blend of French and Moorish architectural styles, which immediately set it apart. During the 1920s, it served as the United States Consulate, and in the 1930s, it transformed into a maternity hospital, embodying its adaptive nature over the years.
Intriguingly, this historic house even played a role in the world of cinema when scenes from the 1977 movie "La Casta Divina" were filmed within its walls. At that time, the Chapur family was among its notable owners.
In 1991, architect Eduardo Millet C谩mara undertook a comprehensive restoration, breathing new vitality into Casa Morisca. Fast forward to 2017 when the property changed hands once more, and this transition marked the beginning of a gradual renovation and expansion process. While the original building is steeped in intricate Moorish and French architectural details, the newer section adopts a contrasting modernistic design.
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Casa Morisca (Moorish House) on Map
Sight Name: Casa Morisca (Moorish House)
Sight Location: Merida, Mexico (See walking tours in Merida)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Merida, Mexico (See walking tours in Merida)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Merida, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Merida
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Merida Introduction Walking Tour
M茅rida, the capital of Yucat谩n, is one of the oldest cities in Mexico. Founded in 1542 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo the Younger, it stands on the ruins of the thriving ancient Mayan city of Ti'ho and is a living testament to the intersection of two worlds 鈥� the pre-Hispanic Mayan civilization and Spanish colonialism.
The city was named after the Spanish town of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
The city was named after the Spanish town of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles