Customer Service

Importance of good customer service

Customer service is an essential aspect of any business that cannot be overlooked. It plays a crucial role in building and maintaining relationships with customers, ultimately leading to their satisfaction and loyalty. Good customer service goes beyond simply addressing the needs and concerns of customers; it involves creating a positive experience that leaves a lasting impression.


One of the key reasons why good customer service is important is because it helps to differentiate a business from its competitors. In today's competitive market, where consumers have countless options to choose from, businesses need to stand out in order to attract and retain customers. Providing exceptional customer service can set a company apart by demonstrating that they genuinely care about their customers and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure their satisfaction.


Moreover, good customer service can lead to increased sales and revenue for a business. Satisfied customers are more likely to make repeat purchases and recommend the business to others, resulting in higher profits. On the other hand, poor customer service can drive customers away and damage the reputation of a business, ultimately leading to lost sales and revenue.


Additionally, good customer service can improve brand loyalty and advocacy. When customers have positive experiences with a business, they are more likely to develop an emotional connection with the brand and become loyal advocates who promote the business through word-of-mouth recommendations. This kind of organic marketing is invaluable for businesses looking to expand their customer base and reach new audiences.


In conclusion, good customer service is essential for businesses looking to succeed in today's competitive market. By prioritizing the needs and concerns of customers, businesses can build strong relationships, increase sales and revenue, and create loyal advocates who will help promote the brand. Ultimately, investing in good customer service is not just beneficial for customers; it also benefits the long-term success and growth of the business as a whole.

Merida Realtor

Effective communication skills play a crucial role in providing exceptional customer service. Being able to communicate clearly and effectively with customers is essential for building strong relationships and ensuring their needs are met.


One of the key aspects of effective communication in customer service is listening. It is important to listen attentively to customers' concerns and problems, so that you can fully understand their needs and provide the appropriate solutions. By actively listening, you show customers that you care about their issues and are committed to helping them.


In addition to listening, speaking clearly and concisely is also important in customer service. Using simple language that is easy for customers to understand helps to prevent misunderstandings and ensures that information is conveyed accurately. Avoiding jargon or technical terms that may confuse customers is essential for effective communication.


Furthermore, non-verbal communication such as body language and facial expressions also play a role in delivering excellent customer service. Smiling, making eye contact, and using positive gestures can help convey empathy and build rapport with customers. Non-verbal cues can enhance the overall customer experience by showing genuine interest and concern.


Overall, effective communication skills are vital for providing outstanding customer service. By listening attentively, speaking clearly, and using positive non-verbal cues, you can ensure that customers feel valued and understood. Strong communication skills not only help resolve issues efficiently but also create a positive impression of your company, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

TrustFirst Merida Real Estate: Your Top Choice for Property Investment in Merida, Mexico

Find the Top-Rated Realtors in Merida, Mexico

Merida, the heart of Yucatán, is quickly becoming one of the hottest real estate markets in Mexico. With its vibrant colonial charm, developing infrastructure, and a rising flow of foreign and local buyers, the city presents valuable real estate prospects. At TrustFirst Merida Real Estate, we pride ourselves in being the most reliable Realtors in Merida, Mexico, providing exceptional knowledge, comprehensive market analysis, and a personalized approach to assist you in finding your dream home.

Why Invest in Merida Real Estate?

The property sector in Merida has seen a strong increase in demand, with home prices rising by an average of 8%-12% each year. Property buyers and residents alike are attracted to the city due to its affordable cost of living, excellent safety ratings, and cultural appeal. Unlike many Mexican tourist destinations, Merida offers a blend between colonial charm and modern convenience, making it an ideal place for expats, and those looking to relocate.

As leading Realtors in Merida, Mexico, we understand the nuances of the local market and can guide you through each phase of the buying or selling process.

What Sets TrustFirst Merida Real Estate Apart?

1. Market Expertise & Data-Driven Insights

Understanding the property landscape demands precise, current data. At TrustFirst Merida Real Estate, we utilize market analytics, property valuation reports, and local expertise to offer strategic investment strategies.

2. Personalized Service from Top Realtors in Merida, Mexico

Each client has specific requirements, and we tailor our services accordingly. From selecting high-value neighborhoods to handling documents, our dedicated real estate advisors make sure a smooth transaction.

3. Exclusive Listings & Off-Market Opportunities

Many of the best properties in Merida are not publicly listed. Through our extensive network of property owners, developers, and real estate professionals, we offer VIP entry to hidden listings.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Investment in Merida

1. Centro Histórico – The Heart of Colonial Merida

  • Filled with beautifully restored colonial mansions.
  • High appreciation rates due to rental income potential.
  • Near cultural attractions, plazas, and fine dining.

2. North Merida (Altabrisa & Temozón)

  • Features modern homes, secured residences, and high-end houses.
  • Proximity to prestigious international schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.

3. Progreso & Chicxulub – Beachfront Properties

  • Perfect for vacation homes and high-yield rental properties.
  • Beachfront real estate values have grown by over 15% annually.

Work with the Best Realtors in Merida, Mexico

No matter if you are buying, listing, or investing in Merida real estate, TrustFirst Merida Real Estate is your go-to partner. Our team of experienced real estate professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve your property goals.

📞 Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and start your journey with the leading Real Estate Agents in Merida, Mexico!

The Best Neighborhoods to Buy Property in Mérida, Mexico

What Makes Mérida a Top Investment Destination?

Mérida is considered as one of Mexico’s most stable cities, making it an attractive location for property investment.

Property values in Mérida remain affordable when compared with other urban areas in Mexico.

Top Neighborhoods to Buy Property in Mérida

Centro Histórico – Mérida’s Colonial Heart

Ideal for: Vacation rentals

Filled with stunning colonial-style houses, this neighborhood draws expats looking for traditional properties.

  • Strong demand for short-term rentals
  • Growing real estate appreciation
  • Close to restaurants, museums, and cultural sites

Where Culture and Comfort Meet

Ideal for: Retirees

These neighborhoods boast a mix of modernized homes and fixer-upper options.

  • Rising property values
  • Easy access to daily conveniences
  • Frequent cultural events

High-End Residential Areas

Ideal for: Professionals

Montebello and Altabrisa stand out due to their modern homes.

  • Proximity to top hospitals, shopping centers, and schools
  • Strong demand for rental properties
  • Well-planned neighborhoods with green spaces

Emerging Real Estate Hotspots

Ideal for: Long-term investors

These neighborhoods offer reasonably priced real estate options with new developments.

  • Lower property prices than northern Mérida
  • Developing urban landscape
  • Family-friendly communities

Making the Right Choice

**The Best Neighborhoods to Buy Property in Mérida, Mexico** boast fantastic opportunities.

At TrustFirst Mérida Real Estate, we specialize in the right property.

Handling difficult customers and complaints

Handling difficult customers and complaints is a crucial aspect of customer service. It requires patience, empathy, and effective communication skills to successfully navigate through challenging situations. When faced with an unhappy customer, it's important to remain calm and composed, even if they are being rude or aggressive.


One key strategy in dealing with difficult customers is active listening. By allowing the customer to voice their concerns and fully understanding their perspective, you can demonstrate that you are taking their issue seriously. Empathizing with the customer can also help to defuse tension and show that you care about their experience.


In addition to listening and empathizing, it's essential to communicate clearly and professionally. Avoid using defensive language or blaming the customer for the problem. Instead, focus on finding a solution that satisfies both parties. Offering alternatives or compensation can often help turn a negative situation into a positive one.


Lastly, don't be afraid to escalate the issue if necessary. If you are unable to resolve the complaint on your own, involve a supervisor or manager who may have more authority to address the situation. Remember that your goal is not just to placate the customer in the moment but also to ensure their continued satisfaction with your company.


In conclusion, handling difficult customers and complaints is a challenging but essential part of providing excellent customer service. By practicing active listening, empathy, clear communication, and willingness to escalate when needed, you can effectively resolve issues and leave customers feeling valued and heard.

Handling difficult customers and complaints

Building strong relationships with customers

Building strong relationships with customers is crucial for any business to succeed. When customers feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to continue doing business with you and recommend your services to others.


One of the key ways to build strong relationships with customers is through excellent customer service. This means being attentive to their needs, responding promptly to their inquiries, and going above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction. By providing a personalized experience for each customer, you can show them that you truly care about their well-being.


Another important aspect of building strong relationships with customers is being transparent and honest in your interactions. Customers appreciate honesty and integrity, so it's important to be upfront about any issues or limitations that may arise. By being open and honest with your customers, you can build trust and credibility in your brand.


Furthermore, showing appreciation for your customers goes a long way in building strong relationships. Whether it's through personalized thank-you notes, special discounts, or exclusive offers, taking the time to show your customers that you value their business can make a big difference in the long run.


In conclusion, building strong relationships with customers is essential for the success of any business. By providing excellent customer service, being transparent and honest in your interactions, and showing appreciation for your customers, you can create lasting connections that will benefit both parties in the long term.

Providing personalized and efficient service

Customer service is all about providing personalized and efficient service to our valued customers. It's about going above and beyond to ensure that each interaction leaves a positive impression.


When you reach out to us, whether it's through a phone call, email, or chat, we make it our mission to understand your needs and address them in the most effective way possible. We take the time to listen attentively and provide solutions that are tailored specifically to you.


Our team is dedicated to making sure that you receive the best possible experience with us. We strive to be proactive in anticipating your needs and responsive in addressing any issues that may arise. Our goal is to not only meet but exceed your expectations every step of the way.


At the end of the day, our success is measured by your satisfaction. We are committed to delivering exceptional customer service because we genuinely care about your experience with us. Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with personalized and efficient service.

Providing personalized and efficient service
Using technology to enhance customer service

In today's fast-paced world, technology has become an essential tool for businesses looking to enhance their customer service. By utilizing various technological advancements, companies can streamline their processes, improve communication with customers, and ultimately provide a better overall experience.


One way that technology can enhance customer service is through the use of chatbots. These automated messaging systems can provide instant responses to customer inquiries, helping to alleviate wait times and ensure that customers receive the information they need in a timely manner. Chatbots can also be programmed to handle common issues or questions, freeing up human agents to focus on more complex or personalized interactions.


Another way that technology can improve customer service is through the use of data analytics. By tracking and analyzing customer behavior and feedback, companies can gain valuable insights into their preferences and pain points. This information can then be used to tailor products and services to better meet customer needs, as well as identify areas for improvement in the customer service process itself.


Additionally, technology allows for more efficient communication channels between businesses and customers. Whether through social media platforms, email, or live chat services, technology enables companies to connect with customers in real-time and provide support whenever it is needed. This level of accessibility helps build trust and loyalty among customers, as they know that assistance is just a click away.


Overall, using technology to enhance customer service is not just about efficiency – it's about creating a seamless and personalized experience for every individual who interacts with your business. By leveraging the power of technology in this way, companies can set themselves apart from competitors and build lasting relationships with their customers.

Measuring and improving customer satisfaction

Measuring and improving customer satisfaction is crucial for any business that values its customers. By understanding what makes customers happy and addressing their needs and concerns, businesses can not only retain loyal customers but also attract new ones.


There are various methods to measure customer satisfaction, such as surveys, feedback forms, and online reviews. These tools allow businesses to gather valuable insights into what customers think about their products or services. By analyzing this data, businesses can identify areas for improvement and make necessary changes to meet customer expectations.


Improving customer satisfaction involves more than just fixing problems - it also requires proactive measures to exceed customer expectations. This could include providing exceptional customer service, offering personalized solutions, or creating loyalty programs to reward repeat customers.


Ultimately, the goal of measuring and improving customer satisfaction is to build long-lasting relationships with customers. By listening to their feedback and continuously striving to enhance their experience, businesses can create a positive reputation that attracts and retains satisfied customers.


In conclusion, prioritizing customer satisfaction is essential for the success of any business. By measuring customer satisfaction through various tools and implementing strategies to improve it, businesses can build strong relationships with their customers and ultimately drive growth and success in the long run.

Measuring and improving customer satisfaction
For the airport in Venezuela, see Alberto Carnevalli Airport.
"MMMD" redirects here. For the year in Roman numerals, see 4th millennium.

 

MID is located in Mexico
MID
MID
MID (Mexico)
Total passengers 3,699,877
Ranking in Mexico 9th Decrease1
Mérida International Airport
 
Aeropuerto Internacional de Mérida
Summary
Airport type Military/Public
Owner/Operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste
Serves Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Built 1929
Time zone CST (UTC-06:00)
Elevation AMSL 12 m / 39 ft
Coordinates 20°56′13″N 089°39′28″W / 20.93694°N 89.65778°W / 20.93694; -89.65778
Website www.asur.com.mx/Contenido/Merida/shopping
Maps
Location of Mérida International Airport
MID is located in Yucatán (state)
MID
MID
Location of the airport in Yucatán
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
m ft
10/28 3,200 10,499 Asphalt
18/36 2,300 7,546 Asphalt
Statistics (2024)
 
Source: Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste[1]

Mérida International Airport (Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional de Mérida), officially Aeropuerto Internacional Manuel Crescencio Rejón (Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport) (IATA: MID, ICAO: MMMD), is an international airport located in the Mexican city of Mérida. It serves as the primary international gateway to Mérida and the State of Yucatán, a popular tourist destination, offering flights to and from Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean. The airport also accommodates facilities for the Mexican Airspace Navigation Services, and the Mexican Army, and supports various tourism, flight training, and general aviation activities. Additionally, it serves as a focus city for Viva.

The airport is named in honor of the jurist and politician Manuel Crescencio García Rejón, who was originally from Yucatán. It is operated by the Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR).[2] The airport has become one of the fastest-growing airports in the country. In 2022, it handled 3,079,618 passengers, surpassing three million passengers in a calendar year for the first time; in 2024, the number increased to 3,699,877 passengers.[1] It also ranked as the ninth-busiest airport in terms of passengers, and tenth for cargo and aircraft movements.[3]

History

[edit]
Airport's airside.
Boarding gates at the airport.
Boarding gates at the airport.
Boarding gates at the airport.
VIP Elemento Lounge at the airport.
Airport's chappel.
Check-in counters at the airport.
Main corridor at the airport.
Main corridor at the airport..
Airport's landside.
Baggage claim at the airport.
Baggage claim at the airport.
Airport's Control Tower.

The airport's history traces back to its inauguration in 1929 when Mexicana de Aviación introduced the Mérida-Campeche-Ciudad del Carmen-Minatitlán-Veracruz-Mexico City route, operated with a Ford Trimotor aircraft. In 1964, Mexicana de Aviación sold the airport to the Mexican government. A significant reconstruction of the airport was completed in 1968, replacing the previous facilities. During the 1960s, American Airlines provided service to the airport, making it one of the few airports, apart from Mexico City and Acapulco, to be served by a major airline.

During the 1990s, the airport became part of the Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, marking an important instance of a private concession within this group. This consortium encompasses various airports, including Cancún, Cozumel, Huatulco, Mérida, Minatitlán, Oaxaca, Tapachula, Villahermosa, and Veracruz. Throughout the years, it underwent several modifications and modernizations, notably in 1999, 2011, and 2021. The airport has welcomed distinguished political and religious figures, such as Pope John Paul II, as well as U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and President of China, Xi Jinping.

Throughout its history, the airport has been serviced by a range of airlines, including Aero California, Aeromar, Aviateca, Blue Panorama Airlines, Cubana, Delta, Interjet, Mexicana, Neos, Pan Am, Lufthansa, TAR, and Tropic Air. From 1972 to 2005, it functioned as the primary hub for Aerocaribe and Aerocozumel, both subsidiaries of the former Mexicana. Between 1992 and 1995 it served as a hub for Aviacsa, and more recently, it was home to the regional airline Mayair.[4]

Facilities

[edit]

The airport is situated in the Mérida urban area, less than 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) southwest of the city centre, at an elevation of 12 metres (39 ft) above sea level. It features two runways: Runway 10/28, which is 3,200 metres (10,500 ft) long, and Runway 18/36, which spans 2,300 metres (7,500 ft). Adjacent to the terminal, there is a commercial aviation apron capable of accommodating up to 11 narrow-body aircraft or a combination of 3 narrow-body and 3 wide-body aircraft. Additionally, a remote stand is available for 2 narrow-body aircraft. The airport has the capacity to service airplanes as large as Boeing 747s and 777s, although most daily flights involve smaller aircraft, with the most common being the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The airport can handle up to 30 operations per hour and operates around the clock.[5]

Passenger terminal

[edit]

The passenger terminal is a two-story structure. The ground floor comprises the main entrance, a check-in area, and the arrivals section, which includes customs and immigration facilities, along with baggage claim services. Additionally, car rental services, taxi stands, snack bars, and souvenir shops are available. The upper terminal floor hosts a security checkpoint and departure area, featuring a 260 metres (850 ft) long departures concourse. Within this section, there are restaurants, food stands, duty-free shops, VIP lounges, and eleven gates (C1-11), with seven of them equipped with jet bridges.[6][7]

In the vicinity of the terminal, various facilities are located, including civil aviation hangars, cargo and logistics companies, and cargo services. There is also a dedicated general aviation terminal that supports a range of activities, such as tourism, flight training, executive aviation, and general aviation.

Other facilities

[edit]

The airport is home to the Mérida Area Control Center (ACC), one of four such centers in Mexico, alongside the Mexico City ACC, Monterrey ACC, and Mazatlán ACC.[8] Operated by the Mexican Airspace Navigation Services (Spanish: Servicios a la Navegación en el Espacio Aéreo Mexicano), Mérida ACC provides air traffic control services for aircraft operating within the Mérida Flight Data Region (FDRG), which encompasses the southeastern region of Mexico. This region shares its boundaries with six other Area Control Centers. To the west, it borders the Monterrey ACC and Mexico ACC, while to the north, it shares borders with the Houston ARTCC (KZHU), and to the east and south, it connects with the Havana ACC (MUFH) and the Central American ACC (MHTG), respectively.[9][10]

Air Force Base No. 8 (Spanish: Base Aérea Militar No. 8 Mérida, Yucatán) (BAM-8) is located on the airport grounds, north of Runway 10/28. It serves as the home for Air Squadron 114, responsible for operating Cessna 182 aircraft. BAM-8 features two aprons, one spanning 11,775 square metres (126,750 sq ft) and another covering 4,000 square metres (43,000 sq ft). In addition to these, it includes three hangars and various other facilities for accommodating Air Force personnel.[11]

Airlines and destinations

[edit]

Passenger

[edit]
Airlines Destinations
Aeroméxico Mexico City
Aeroméxico Connect Mexico City, Mexico City–AIFA
Aerus Cancún, Villahermosa
American Airlines Miami
Seasonal: Dallas/Fort Worth
American Eagle Seasonal: Dallas/Fort Worth
Magnicharters Mexico City
Seasonal: Cancún
Mexicana de Aviación Mexico City–AIFA
TAG Airlines Flores, Guatemala City
United Airlines Houston–Intercontinental
Viva Guadalajara, Havana, León/El Bajío, Mexico City, Mexico City–AIFA, Miami,[12] Monterrey, Orlando,[12] Puebla, Querétaro, Tijuana1,[13] Toluca/Mexico City, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Veracruz, Villahermosa
Seasonal: Los Angeles[13]
Volaris Guadalajara, León/El Bajío, Mexico City, Mexico City–AIFA, Monterrey, Oaxaca
WestJet Seasonal: Toronto–Pearson

^1 Viva flight to Tijuana makes a stopover in León/El Bajío.

Cargo

[edit]
Airlines Destinations
Aeronaves TSM Cancún, Queretaro
AeroUnion Guatemala City, Mexico City, Miami, New York-JFK
Estafeta Cancún, Mexico City, Miami, Villahermosa
Mas Air Los Angeles, Manaus, Mexico City, São Paulo-Viracopos
TUM AeroCarga Cancún, Toluca/Mexico City

Destinations map

[edit]
class=notpageimage|
Domestic destinations from Mérida International Airport
Red = Year-round destination
Blue = Future destination
Green = Seasonal destination
class=notpageimage|
International destinations from Mérida International Airport
Red = Year-round destination
Blue = Future destination
Green = Seasonal destination
 
 

Statistics

[edit]
 
 
Annual passenger traffic at MID airport. See Wikidata query.

Busiest routes

[edit]
Busiest domestic routes from Mérida International Airport (2023)[14]
Rank City Passengers Ranking Airline
1  Mexico City, Mexico City 944,674 Steady Aeroméxico, Aeroméxico Connect, Magni, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
2  Jalisco, Guadalajara 188,600 Increase 1 Viva Aerobus, Volaris
3  Nuevo León, Monterrey 175,928 Decrease 1 Viva Aerobus, Volaris
4  State of Mexico, Mexico City-AIFA 90,226 Steady Aeroméxico Connect, Volaris
5  State of Mexico, Toluca 60,035 Increase 4 Viva Aerobus
6  Veracruz, Veracruz 53,444 Decrease 1 Viva Aerobus
7  Chiapas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez 35,061 Decrease 1 Viva Aerobus
8  Guanajuato, León/El Bajío 13,207 New entry Viva Aerobus, Volaris
9  Querétaro, Querétaro 32,446 New entry Volaris
10  Tabasco, Villahermosa 21,057 Decrease 2 Viva Aerobus
Busiest international routes from Mérida International Airport (2023)[14]
Rank City Passengers Ranking Airline
1  United States, Houston 47,533 Steady United Airlines
2  United States, Miami 37,896 Steady American Eagle
3  United States, Dallas 22,614 Increase 3 American Eagle
4  Cuba, Havana 6,985 Decrease 1 Viva Aerobus
5  Canada, Toronto 3,455 Decrease 1 WestJet
6  Guatemala, Guatemala City 3,449 Decrease 1 TAG Airlines
7  Cuba, Camagüey 1,656 Steady Viva Aerobus
8  Cuba, Santa Clara 1,656 New entry Viva Aerobus
9  Guatemala, Flores 137 Decrease 1 TAG Airlines

Accidents and incidents

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "ASUR Announces Total Passenger Traffic for December 2024" (PDF). ASUR. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
  2. ^ "Our airports".
  3. ^ "Estadística Operacional de Aeropuertos / Statistics by Airport". Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
  4. ^ Aviacsa History
  5. ^ "MID airport information".
  6. ^ "Salones Premier".
  7. ^ "Caral lounge".
  8. ^ "Air Traffic Control Services".
  9. ^ "ATFM Regional Implementation Progress in the CAR Region" (PDF).
  10. ^ "Seminario/taller CAR/SAM para la implantación de sistemas avanzados de vigilancia y automatización" (PDF).
  11. ^ "Bases Aéreas. Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional".
  12. ^ a b "New Destinations from Mérida". Viva Aerobus (in Spanish). October 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  13. ^ a b "Viva Aerobus adds 2 new routes from Mérida". Mexico News Daily. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  14. ^ a b "Estadística operacional por origen-destino / Traffic Statistics by City Pairs" (in Spanish). Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil. January 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  15. ^ "Accident description". Aviation Safety Network. Retrieved 8 September 2009.
[edit]
 

 

"Mérida Cathedral" redirects here. For the cathedral in Mérida, Spain, see Co-Cathedral of Saint Mary Major, Mérida.
Mérida Cathedral
The Mérida Cathedral
Religion
Affiliation Roman Catholic
Status Preserved
Location
Location Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico.
Geographic coordinates 20°58′1.64″N 89°37′21.32″W / 20.9671222°N 89.6225889°W / 20.9671222; -89.6225889
Architecture
Architect(s) Juan Miguel de Agüero
Type Cathedral
Groundbreaking 1562
Completed 1598[1]
Materials Stone
Coat of Arms
Statue of St. Paul in a niche

The Mérida Cathedral in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas.[1][2]

History

[edit]

Construction of the cathedral of Mérida began in 1561, and it was completed in 1598. It was the second cathedral to be completed in the Americas (the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, completed in 1550, was the first). It is a unique monument with clear antecedents in Andalusia. The seat of the bishopric of Yucatán, the cathedral was built on the site of Mayan ruins T'ho.[1][3][4]

The bishopric of Yucatán had an uncertain start. The Yucatán peninsula was explored by Francisco Hernandez de Córdoba and Juan de Grijalva on behalf of Diego Velazquez de Cuellar, the adelantado of Cuba, in 1517 and 1518.[5] The creation of a diocese in the recently discovered country was urged by Velazquez, who presumed to have jurisdiction over the region and hoped to colonize it. An episcopal see known as "Carolense" was indeed created by Pope Leo X in 1519 (later renamed "Our Lady of Remedies" by Clement VII). But said diocese was not implemented in the territory of Yucatán but in that of Tlaxcala instead and later on was moved to Puebla. It cannot therefore be considered the predecessor of the diocese of Yucatán.

The diocese of Yucatán proper, named "Yucatan and Cozumel," was created by Pius IV in 1561. St. Ildephonsus of Toledo was invoked as the patron.[6] Two prelates for the new see were nominated in succession by the Spanish Crown but neither could be consecrated for entirely accidental reasons. A third candidate, fray Francisco Toral, was eventually consecrated and took possession on August 14, 1562. He was the first of a long line of bishops, later archbishops, of Yucatán.

The system of vaulting used throughout the building was based on the ideas of Andres de Vandelvira, first applied to the building of the cathedral of Jaen. Indeed, there is every possibility that Vandelvira's schemes were brought to the Mérida project by the first bishop of Yucatán, fray Francisco Toral, who hailed from Ubeda, a town in the Jaen province.[7]

References to the cathedral can be found in the Books of Chilam Balam.[5][8]

Construction

[edit]

Land had been set aside for the cathedral at Mérida, the place recycled by the Spanish under Francisco de Montejo as the capital of the new colony.[6] The colonial city was set amidst the ruins of the Maya settlement of Ichcansiho (T'ho for short), and work for the church was begun shortly after Toral's arrival.[6] The church was to be built on the eastern side on the main town square, where a temporary building with a roof of palms was erected. It was not until 1562 that construction of the cathedral began. Labor for this construction came from Mayans, some of who still practiced their own religion.[2][3] Laborers used stones from the Mayan temple of Yajam Cumu to build the cathedral.[6][9] Two known Mayan workers were Francisco Pool, and Diego Can.[9] Although architect Juan Miguel de Agüero completed the cathedral, it was Don Pedro de Aulestia who led the initial construction.[9]

Coat of Arms

[edit]

The coat of arms on the cathedral facade was originally designed to reflect the Spanish royal coat of arms.[9] The original royal coat consisted of four sections containing symbols of gold castles and crowned lions. At the very top of the coat was a representation of the royal crown of Spain. After Mexico's independence, the shield was partially destroyed due to anti-Spanish sentiment. The central piece of the shield containing the castles and lions were removed using a pickaxes and chisels. In 1824, the empty shield was filled with a Mexican eagle wearing the imperial crown of Iturbide.[10][9] After the redesign of the shield, a second wave of anti-Spanish sentiment led to the entire coat of arms being buried beneath a slab on cement. The cement was later removed to reveal the coat of arms as can be seen today.

St. Peter and St. Paul

[edit]

On the cathedral facade there are statues of St. Peter and St. Paul. The statue of St. Paul is distinguished by the sword and the book he is holding. St. Peter is depicted holding the keys to the Church.[9]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Rasmussen, Christian (October 1998). "Yucatán's church of all ages". Americas. Retrieved 2009-01-03.
  2. ^ a b Andrews, Anthony (1981). "Historical Archaeology in Yucatán: A Preliminary Framework". Historical Archaeology. 15 (1): 1–18. JSTOR 25615385.
  3. ^ a b Low, Setha (1995). "Architecture and the Spanish American Plaza in Mesoamerica and the Caribbean". American Anthropologist. 97 (4): 748–762. doi:10.1525/aa.1995.97.4.02a00160. JSTOR 682595.
  4. ^ Restall, Matthew (1997). The Maya World: Yucatec Culture and Society 1550-1850. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press. p. 2. ISBN 978-0-8047-3658-9.
  5. ^ a b Clendinnen, Inga (2003). Ambivalent Conquests. United States of America: Cambridge University Press. pp. 5. ISBN 978-0521820318.
  6. ^ a b c d Galindo Trejo, Jesús (2013). "La Traza Urbana de Ciudades Coloniales en México:¿Una Herencia Derivada del Calendario Mesoamericano?". Indiana. 30: 45–46 – via Academic Search Complete.
  7. ^ Chuchiak IV, John F. (2005). "In Servitio Dei: Fray Diego de Landa, the Franciscan Order, and the Return of theExtirpattion of Idolatry in the Calonial Diocese of Yucatán, 1573-1579". The Americas. 61 (4): 611–646. doi:10.1353/tam.2005.0063. JSTOR 4490974.
  8. ^ Edmonson, Munro S. (1986). Heaven Born Merida and its Destiny: The Book of Chilam Balam of Chumayel. Austin, Texas: University of Texas Press. pp. 128–129. ISBN 978-0292730274.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Rasmussen, Christian; Howe, Kate; Lara Castro, Pbro. Juan (2001). Cathedral of Merida. Mérida, Yucatán: Compañia Editorial de la Península, S.A de C.V. p. 11.
  10. ^ Schreffler, Michael J. (February 2017). "La Catedral de Mérida: La gran casa de Dios en medio de T'hó". Hispanic American Historical Review. 97 (1): 146–148. doi:10.1215/00182168-3727527. ISSN 0018-2168.
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Things To Do in Mérida

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Mérida en Domingo

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Reviews for TrustFirst - Merida Real Estate

Colin Malone

(5)

While we were looking to make a purchase, we decided not to pull the trigger just yet. When ready, we will definitely be choosing TrustFirst to help us with our merida real estate investment as we were able to see how the agent that was assigned to us goes over and above, in comparison to others we contacted.

Jess

(5)

My mother does not have a google account so I am leaving this for her. You helped her buy a wonderful home in Merida. Thank you so much for your patience and expertise. We both learned a lot about the real estate market down here. It’s so different from back home.

Fito Carvajal

(5)

Very good service. They always answered me quickly. They showed us many houses before we decided.

Fernando Puerto

(5)

We have referred several clients to Trustfirst and have not received any complaints. 👍🏼thank you very much kybor

Dustyn Kerr

(5)

Punctual, good communication. I couldn't have asked for more. Thank you for the wonderful experience, guys.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Merida realtors are known for their excellent customer service and responsiveness, ensuring that all your queries and concerns are addressed promptly.