Architecture The Mermaid House - Casa de La SirenaSan Cristobal de las Casas

The Casa de La  Sirena which means The Mermaid House,was built in 1529 by order of Captain Diego de Mazariegos in his campaign of conquest, and then handed over to Andres de Tovilla, who accompanied the Captain.

The shield door flanked by columns is topped with whimsical and graceful lions and the upper window is positioned between two-headed eagles. Another window is adorned by figures in the form of a mermaid or snake-women.

The name of the house is derived  from a stone mermaid that is in the corner of the building in front of the plaza.