Located on the southern edge of Mérida’s Plaza Grande, Casa de Montejo is one of Mexico’s most historically and architecturally significant buildings. Constructed between 1542 and 1549 by Francisco de Montejo “El Mozo,” son of the Spanish conquistador who founded Mérida, the mansion served as the family’s residence for generations and symbolized colonial power in the newly established city.
Casa de Montejo is the only example of civil Plateresque architecture in Mexico—a Renaissance style characterized by intricate stone carvings and ornamental façades. Its façade features elaborate reliefs, including the Montejo family coat of arms and imposing figures meant to project dominance and prestige. These details reflect the Spanish crown’s concern over Montejo’s display of power, which led to a royal decree limiting such architectural extravagance.
Over the centuries, the mansion underwent several transformations. In the late 19th century, the façade was modified with French neoclassical elements, and the interior was adapted to reflect the eclectic tastes of the Porfirian elite. Marble floors, ornate woodwork, and modern amenities were added, blending colonial grandeur with contemporary elegance.
Today, Casa de Montejo houses a museum operated by Fomento Cultural Banamex. Its four permanent exhibition rooms showcase the lifestyle of Yucatán’s upper class during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore period furniture, art collections, and historical artifacts, all within the preserved walls of this colonial mansion.
As a major tourist attraction, Casa de Montejo offers free entry and guided tours, making it a cultural cornerstone of Mérida’s historic center. It stands as a vivid testament to the city’s colonial origins, architectural evolution, and enduring legacy.
Source: En Yucatan
