All about Casas Gemelas in Mérida, Mexico (2025 Guide)

You can visit several grand colonial homes in Mérida, but in my view, the Casas Gemelas are by far the most luxurious and impressive of them all.

The Casas Gemelas (in English: Twin Houses) in Mérida are a pair of French-style mansions on Paseo de Montejo, between Calles 45 and 43. They are also known as the Casas Cámara, named after their original owners, the Cámara family.

In 1905, brothers Ernesto and Camilo Cámara decided to build two neoclassical houses on a plot measuring slightly over 3,000 square meters. Construction began in 1908 and was completed at the end of 1911.

Each house has 10 bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a basement and a mezzanine floor, along with an office, a living room, a spacious kitchen, and several other rooms.

The Twin Houses are iconic villas that highlight the economic prosperity the Yucatán Peninsula, particularly Mérida, enjoyed during the Porfiriato period, largely due to the hennequen industry.

Originally built as private residences for the Cámara family, one house was acquired by the Barbachano family in 1964 and has been converted into a museum called Montejo 495.

An intriguing feature is found in the dining room: beneath the long central table is a discreet foot switch, enabling the host to subtly summon household staff.

Architecture and Design

The houses were designed by the French architect Gustave Umbdenstock, with construction overseen by engineer Manuel G. Cantón, beginning in 1908. The buildings exemplify the elegant Beaux-Arts style characteristic of the French Second Empire.

On the main floor, the impressive staircase is framed by a portal featuring paired columns carved from single pieces of imported Bianco Carrara marble from Italy, complementing the marble steps.

All furnishings and decor were carefully selected by Gustave Umbdenstock himself, sourcing European pieces to create an authentically fashionable French interior of the time.

Each room is adorned with exquisite objects, including a stunning Rococo clock made of gilded bronze topped with a cherub and featuring delicate Roman numerals. Similar bronze artworks and decorative pieces enhance every room.

Museum and Private Residence in One

The house on the left was purchased by Fernando Barbachano, whose family transformed it into a museum in 2021. Despite museum operations, the house is still inhabited, and care is taken to avoid disturbing the residents' daily lives.

Guided tours are offered to the public Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, covering selected rooms on the first floor and basement, including a beautifully preserved kitchen. The upper floors remain private.

Property Pricing and Sale History

In October 2018, the villa on the right was listed for sale at USD 20 million. In October 2019, the price was reduced to USD 18 million (approximately USD 557 per sqft for the 32,292 sqft property).

In February 2022, after more than three years on the market, the house was sold to the Molina family. The final sale price remains undisclosed.

Why They're Called the Casas Gemelas

Although not entirely identical, the houses appear nearly so at first glance, leading to their popular nickname, Casas Gemelas (Twin Houses). They are also commonly referred to as Casas Cámara after their original owners.

Famous Visitors to the Twin Houses

Throughout their history, the Casas Gemalas have hosted illustrious guests such as Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, King Umberto II of Italy, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Photography Tips for Your Visit

Photography is allowed for an additional fee of 50 pesos (without flash). However, time in each room is limited, and visitors cannot explore unaccompanied or linger excessively.

While understandable, this restriction can be slightly stressful, as visitors must decide quickly between following the guide’s narration and taking appealing photos.

One more tip: I recommend using a fast camera lens since, despite many large windows, the rooms are relatively dimly lit. And ideally, your camera should have good image stabilization to keep those handheld shots sharp.

Additional Tips

There is not so much to consider, but here are a few more tips:

• Guided tours may not always be available; confirm schedules in advance.

• Arrive a bit early to appreciate the exterior architecture.

• Stay with your group to avoid issues - trust me on this!

• Researching the history beforehand will enrich your visit.

• Consider combining your tour with a leisurely walk along Paseo de Montejo.

Another Mansion to Visit – Quinta Montes Molina

Besides the Casas Gemelas, another beautiful location worth visiting is the Casa Museo Quinta Montes Molina, converted into a museum. Although slightly smaller, it remains in its original condition and offers a captivating glimpse into early 20th-century elegance.

I would argue it’s one of Mérida’s most beautiful gems from that period. Completed around 1902, it remains in its original state, offering another rare insight into the elegance of a bygone era.

For a unique perspective on everyday homes, the Mérida English Library (MEL) organizes events such as the "House and Garden Tour," showcasing three or four private residences weekly.

These tours reveal a fascinating diversity of architectural styles, from charming colonial houses to modern designs, sure to inspire and delight visitors.