All about Casa Vales in Mérida, Mexico (2025 Guide)

Casa Vales was built between 1905 and 1908 by Fernando Rendón, during the economic boom in Yucatán due to the export of hennequen. The architecture of Casa Vales is influenced by the neoclassical style and features Doric porticoes.

With Casa Vales, it was possible to save another house that preserves the splendor of Paseo de Montejo from the beginning of the last century.

The person responsible for the restauration was Enrique Manero Peón, who has also been involved in numerous other restorations of properties in Mérida.

History of Casa Vales

In 1914, the building was sold to Mr. Vales (the current namesake of the building), who, on the occasion of his marriage to Rosa Cámara, gave it to his son Carlos Vales, who lived in the house with his wife Doña Rosa.

Casa Vales was acquired in the 90s of the 21st century by the Mexican banking group Santander, which restored it. An additional new modern office building was also built, connected to the old mansion by a glass atrium (with an entrance to parallel Calle 56).

In March 1995, it became a regional branch of the banking group. Directly opposite, on the other side of Paseo de Montejo, you will find HSBC Bank.

The Haunting Story of Casa Vales

Tragic events often turn into legends, and like so many places in Mérida, Casa Vales has a story that lingers in the air. Carlos and Rosa Vales had three sons: Carlos, Oswaldo, and Michelangelo. Sadly, the first two passed away as infants.

At the time, it was common – with city permission – to bury young children on private land. Carlos was buried in a cemetery, but when Oswaldo died, Rosa chose a small crypt on their estate. She visited daily – bringing flowers and prayers.

As time passed and both Carlos and Rosa Vales passed away, the memorial to their lost children was forgotten. Decades later, after the house was sold to the Santander banking group, renovations began.

Part of the property was turned into a parking lot, and further construction work followed. During the excavation, workers discovered the small crypt. The family was informed, and Oswaldo’s remains were transferred to the family mausoleum.

But some say his mother never left.

Every year during the Days of the Dead, strange events are reported at Casa Vales. Some say a woman appears at the second-floor windows, staring into the night. Late-working bank staff have heard a soft voice whisper, “Where did you take my child?”

Others say that on November 1 – the day Mexicans honor infants who died in a state of grace – faint sobbing echoes through the building.

Some employees, leaving the bank late, have felt a sudden touch on the shoulder. When they turned, no one was there – just the sound of a woman pleading for her child.

To this day, locals believe the grieving mother still searches for her son’s grave. If you visit, you can enter the site during bank hours. And if you happen to meet her, perhaps you can finally tell her where her child now rests.