All about Monumento a la Patria in Mérida, Mexico
Updated: January 28, 2025
Main Category: Amazing Places
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Author: Tobias
At the northmost point of Paseo de Montejo, "Monumento a la Patria" is one of Mérida’s most recognizable landmarks. Monumento a la Patria in Mérida, Mexico is about 1.8km away from Casa Loltún. It is located in the city center of Mérida. You walk a bit longer, but you can easily get there on foot.
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Address:
Monumento a la Patria, Paseo de Montejo, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexiko
Website:
Category:
More Places
Phone:
-
Distance:
1.8km from Casa Loltún
Travel Time:
Within the city
Admission:
No entry fee
Price Level:
-
Since:
1956
Google Rating:
Opening Hours:
• Monday: Open 24 hours
• Tuesday: Open 24 hours
• Wednesday: Open 24 hours
• Thursday: Open 24 hours
• Friday: Open 24 hours
• Saturday: Open 24 hours
• Sunday: Open 24 hours
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Monumento a la Patria
At the northmost point of Paseo de Montejo in the middle of a roundabout stands the Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Homeland). It is without a doubt one of Mérida's most recognizable landmarks.
On the south-facing end of the monument, stands a large feminine figure with indigenous features complete with pre-Hispanic clothing and jewellery. At night, the monument is illuminated and offers another special sight.
The huge monument rises over 50 meters above the Paseo de Montejo. Paseo de Montejo also ends at the Monumento a la Patria and merges into the Prolongación Paseo de Montejo.
The 300 relief figures show you the history of Mexico from the founding of Tenochtitlan to the middle of the 20th century. It took 12 years to create and was mainly realised by the Colombian artist Romulo Rozo.
The monument was inaugurated in 1956 on the occasion of the centenary of the beginning of Mexico's war of independence against Spanish rule. The monument has 31 columns representing the 28 states, 2 territories and 1 federal district.
The Maya warrior
The large figure at the front of the Monumento a la Patria represents a powerful Maya warrior. With a stoic expression and strong posture, the figure embodies resilience and leadership.

The intricate carvings on the chest and arms, along with the jade-like jewelry, highlight the significance of Maya nobility. Above the head, a feathered serpent or jaguar head crowns the figure, symbolizing divine protection and strength.
This central statue serves as a guardian of the monument, reinforcing the deep connection between Mexico’s history and its indigenous roots. Above it, the Mexican flag waves proudly (at least when it's windy).
The engravings
On the left side of the Monumento a la Patria, you will find four engravings of special significance, as they depict key moments in Mexican history.

From left to right:
The first text references the Mexican Revolution of 1910, which led to profound political and land reforms.
It also commemorates the Constitution of 1917, which established critical articles on land rights, labor laws, and education.
The third engraving depicts the oil expropriation of 1938, a key moment in Mexico’s economic sovereignty and the nationalization of foreign-owned oil companies.
Additionally, the Declaration of War in 1940 refers to Mexico’s role in World War II, and the Literacy Law of 1942 underscores efforts to expand education nationwide.
The engraving "Reforma Artículo Tercero" is centrally positioned above the others. It refers to the reform of Article 3 of the Mexican Constitution, which established free, secular, and compulsory education.
Northern side of the monument
The north side of the monument depicts Lake Texcoco. The Ceiba tree is shown as a relief in the center. The Ceiba tree held mythological significance for the ancient Maya as the World Tree, connecting the celestial, terrestrial, and underworld realms.
Ceiba tree symbolized creation, fertility, and spiritual renewal, serving as a sacred conduit for divine energies and ancestral wisdom. Its towering presence in Maya mythology represented the axis of the universe, anchoring the cosmos and linking all dimensions of existence.

Eagle and snake
On the north side of the monument is also a smaller statue with an eagle and snake, which are part of the Mexican coat of arms. The eagle motif comes from the legend of the nomadic Aztecs, who were guided by their gods to build their new capital, Tenochtitlán.
According to the legend, the site would be marked by an eagle perched on a cactus, devouring a snake. It is also about the founding myth of Mexico - the battle between good and evil.

The demon bird Vucub-Caquix
Let's round things off with a little ghost story, something that can't be missing in Mérida.
Directly north-east of the Monumento a la Patria is the Villa Donata, a mansion built by Pedro de Regil, which is now home to the gourmet restaurant Kuuk.
The Maya believe that these two buildings stand above a hidden entrance to the underworld and that Vucub-Caquix guards the entrance from the unbelievers.
Vucub-Caquix is a malevolent demon bird from Mayan mythology. It is half vulture and half condor. Vucub-Caquix is described as a powerful bird pretending to be the sun and moon of the twilight world in between the former creation and the present one.
Many report that they have seen the spirit of this demon bird hovering between Monumento a la Patria and Villa Donata. There are also reports of animals disappearing in the area. It is believed that Vucub-Caquix swoops down and grabs dogs from the road or other birds in the trees to eat them.
In 1962, a young mother claimed to have been attacked by a huge bird that swooped down, grabbed one of her young sons with its claws and disappeared with him. The boy has remained missing to this day.
The Monumento a la Patria and the restaurant Kuuk are very popular destinations in Mérida. If you are on the Paseo de Montejo in this area, look up occasionally and watch out for the demon bird.
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