Parks and SquaresSanta Ana Church and SquareMérida

As Merida was growing in population, it had to grow in size as well while preserving the divisions that existed among royalty and the people. Proof of this is what is known today as the Parque Santa Ana, a neighborhood that was formed at the initiative of Governor and Captain General Antonio de Figueroa and Silva Lazo de la Vega, to designate an area of dwelling for the indigenous people, starting in the 18th century, on what had formerly been a Mayan village.

Along with the neighborhood, the Santa Ana Church was built and consecrated in 1733.  It has a Latin cross pattern on an atrium, built apparently where the Maya religious structure had stood.

In one corner of the Santa Ana Square, you will find shops and cafes that offer delicious Yucatecan cuisine at a great price. The specialties are: panuchos. salbutes, conchinita pibil tortas, and turkey with relleno negro. Further inside the square is what looks like a small market, where mainly crafts and typical products of the region can be purchased.

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