Church of the Third Order of Jesus, Merida
The Church of the Third Order of Jesus, located just north of Parque Hidalgo, stands as one of the city's oldest and historically significant landmarks. It holds the distinction of being the first Jesuit church in the Yucat谩n region, with a rich history dating back to its construction in 1618.
This venerable structure was crafted using limestone blocks salvaged from a dismantled Maya temple, infusing it with a unique blend of colonial and indigenous architectural elements. Remarkably, faint traces of ancient carvings from the Maya era still adorn the church's west wall, offering a tangible connection to the region's rich pre-Columbian history.
While the Church of the Third Order of Jesus is often chosen as a venue for society weddings, its interior is characterized by simplicity rather than ornate embellishments. The unadorned yet evocative ambiance within the church's walls provides a sense of serenity and historical resonance.
The building's historical legacy extends beyond the church itself, as the former convent rooms at the rear of the complex have been repurposed to house the Pinoteca Juan Gamboa Guzm谩n. This small yet captivating art collection is a hidden gem within the church's precincts. Among its notable exhibits are the striking bronze sculptures crafted by the celebrated 20th-century artist Enrique Gottdiener Soto, which pay homage to the indigenous Maya culture.
Venturing to the second floor of the museum reveals a selection of approximately 20 oil paintings, most of which depict past civic officials. While these may not be the museum's most memorable offerings, they serve as an additional thread in the tapestry of the church's historical narrative.
This venerable structure was crafted using limestone blocks salvaged from a dismantled Maya temple, infusing it with a unique blend of colonial and indigenous architectural elements. Remarkably, faint traces of ancient carvings from the Maya era still adorn the church's west wall, offering a tangible connection to the region's rich pre-Columbian history.
While the Church of the Third Order of Jesus is often chosen as a venue for society weddings, its interior is characterized by simplicity rather than ornate embellishments. The unadorned yet evocative ambiance within the church's walls provides a sense of serenity and historical resonance.
The building's historical legacy extends beyond the church itself, as the former convent rooms at the rear of the complex have been repurposed to house the Pinoteca Juan Gamboa Guzm谩n. This small yet captivating art collection is a hidden gem within the church's precincts. Among its notable exhibits are the striking bronze sculptures crafted by the celebrated 20th-century artist Enrique Gottdiener Soto, which pay homage to the indigenous Maya culture.
Venturing to the second floor of the museum reveals a selection of approximately 20 oil paintings, most of which depict past civic officials. While these may not be the museum's most memorable offerings, they serve as an additional thread in the tapestry of the church's historical narrative.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Merida. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Church of the Third Order of Jesus on Map
Sight Name: Church of the Third Order of Jesus
Sight Location: Merida, Mexico (See walking tours in Merida)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Merida, Mexico (See walking tours in Merida)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Merida, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Merida
Creating your own self-guided walk in Merida is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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