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All about Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol in Mérida

Updated: January 28, 2025

Main Category: Parks & Churches

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Author: Tobias

The church was built in the 17th century (completed in 1637). The first mass in Mérida was held there. Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol in Mérida is about 2.6km away from Casa Loltún. It is located on the outskirts of Mérida. As it is a little further from the city center, you might want to take a car or bus.

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Address:

Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol, Barrio de Santiago, Centro, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexiko

Website:

Category:

Parks and Churches

Phone:

+52 999 928 5554

Distance:

2.6km from Casa Loltún

Travel Time:

Within the city

Admission:

No entry fee

Price Level:

-

Since:

1637

Google Rating:

average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 427 votes, Ratings

Opening Hours:

• Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Sunday: closed

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Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol

Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol in Mérida was built in the 17th century. According to the inscription carved on an arc above the main entrance of the temple, the Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol in Mérida is believed to have been completed in the year 1637.


The church is one of the oldest in Mérida. On the left side of the nave is a small chapel with a plaque stating that the first mass in Mérida was held there.


Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol is located next Parque de Santiago, the nice small neighborhood park and the food market Mercado de Santiago.


While the rest of the building is more fortress-like (as with many churches in Mérida), the church has a pretty front façade with curved arches and seven bells hanging in openings in the façade.


The neighborhood


Barrio de Santiago is one of the most beautiful districts in Mérida, located slightly west of the city center. The church, a small park, and a market are all in the same block, forming the heart of the neighborhood.


Nearby are many restaurants, bistros, bars and stores. Directly across from the park is a school and on the north side of the block you will find a Cinemex movie theater.


There is also a small Akí Express supermarket on Calle 72 opposite the park and an Oxxo convenience store right next door. If you are traveling by car, you will find a relatively large number of parking spaces here, especially compared to other places.


Parque de Santiago


Parque de Santiago is a historic square dating back to the city's founding in 1542. Originally home to much of the indigenous Mayan population, the area remains deeply connected to Mérida’s cultural roots.


Parque Santiago and Santiago Market Hall
Parque Santiago

The park itself features shade trees, a central fountain, and free city-provided Wi-Fi. Surrounding the square, you will find restaurants, bistros, bars, and grocery stores, with vendor stalls set up on weekends. A parking lot and a taxi stand are also available.


Every Tuesday, the park hosts an event called "Musical Remembrances". The Municipal Orchestra performs a selection of Latin and American big-band tunes from the 1940s.

Have you explored the amazing weekly events in Mérida yet? Don’t miss them!


Mercado de Santiago


The covered Mercado de Santiago features stalls selling fresh produce, meat, fish, spices, flowers, and handicrafts, along with food vendors offering Yucatecan dishes like tacos, tamales, and tortas.


Known for its cleanliness and organized layout, the market is housed in a distinctive light blue building and offers goods at prices typically lower than stores.


Who was Santiago Apóstol?


But let’s now turn to the question of where the church gets its name from and who the Apostle Santiago (in English: St. James) was. He was one of the first disciples of Jesus together with his younger brother John. This is why St. James is also known as "the elder". He is one of the most famous saints in Mexico.


On July 25, the day of his feast, processions and masses are held in many cities. His grave in Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain is the destination of the 800 km long Way of St. James.


A unique relic


Finally, a mention of a unique relic: the heart of one of Yucatán's earliest bishops, Fray Luis de Piña y Mazo, who passed away in 1795, is enshrined within the walls of St. James Church.


A stone tablet, inscribed in Old Castilian, can be found embedded in the northern facade of the sanctuary, serving as a poignant reminder of this solemn interment.


Fray Luis de Piña y Mazo played a significant role in the religious and cultural development of Yucatan during the colonial period. As one of the first bishops in the region, his contributions to the church and society are widely recognized.


The presence of his heart in St. James Church symbolizes the enduring legacy of his spiritual leadership and influence in shaping the history of Yucatan.


Image Source (church): ©Mario Morales Rubí, flickr, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

The picture was modified (image improvements, size)

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