Merida Cathedral (Yucatan, Mexico)

     

     This prestigious cathedral began to be built in 1561 and was finally completed in 1598. As the Spanish kept trying to spread Christianity, they entered upon Mexico to Christianize the natives building churches and religious centers, while simultaneously destroying Indian culture and centers of worship. It was built on the top of the city of T'ho with structures taken from this city to build the immense cathedral. Merida Cathedral was the first cathedral to be constructed on the American mainland. This cathedral does not have much ornaments and is rather "plain" compared to other cathedrals. It was built as a devotion to Saint IIdefonsus. It is known for its large crucifix behind the altar. Diego Velazquez de Cuellar, a leader in this state of Mexico, urged the building of a diocese. This cathedral holds one of the most famous artifacts in the city: Christ of the Blisters Statue. Furthermore, it is the second oldest cathedral in the New World.