All about Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol in Mérida

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.

Who was Santiago Apóstol?

Santiago Apóstol (in English: St. James) 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". St. James the Apostle 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.

Yucatan's earliest Bishop

The heart of one of Yucatan's earliest Bishops, Fray Luis de Piña y Mazo, who passed away in 1795, finds its resting place within the walls of St. James Church.

A stone tablet, inscribed in Old Castilian, serves as a poignant reminder of this solemn interment, firmly embedded in the northern facade of the sanctuary.

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.

The neighborhood

Barrio de Santiago is one of the most beautiful districts Mérida. The neighbourhood is located slightly west of the city center. The market hall is next to the church Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol and Parque de Santiago in the same block.

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.

Mérida is renowned for its vibrant live music scene, making it the perfect complement to a night out. Every Tuesday at 8:30 pm, Santiago Park (located at the intersection of Calle 59 and Calle 72) hosts an event called "Musical Remembrances".

Visitors can enjoy live music and dancing in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The Municipal Orchestra performs a repertoire of Latin and American big-band music from the 1940s, adding to the charm of the experience.

Have you already discovered all the amazing weekly events in Mérida? Make sure you check them out. The city has so much to offer!

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

The picture was modified (image improvements, size)