So the final stop on the road trip, couple of nights here gonna make the most of it.
I escaped my travelling companions, I had no real appetite for museums and culture. No time to waste, climb upon shank's pony and lets hit the pavements.
The cathedral was built between 1561, and 1598. Being the second cathedral to be completed in the Americas it has architecture that mirrors that of Andalusian churches.
Comes to a screaming halt, I am not going there now, lets pop in later.
Let us first visit a more sacred temple hidden down one of the back streets of Merida. Come join me as we pray to the gods of beer 'n stuff.
It was quite an unassuming place from the outside I was in need of refreshment beer.
Ok so it was only just after noon, but never forget
"It's 5 o'clock somewhere"
Taking the unconventional route through the alley as I had spotted something that looked like street art I wandered in.
Oh MY DAYS
The walls were just covered in fantastic little bits of art, I soon forgot about beer, I wasn't that thirsty anyways.
Surreal images and words; with my limited Spanish knowledge (Self taught, a language I love, it is so melodic. I tried German initially but the words are far too long to make any sense, never mind actually read and say) I could just about understand the phrases, but not fully the hidden meaning in the sentiments.
Apparently the little virgin Carmen protects the gangs WTF? Loving the tongue in cheek sentiment of the sign being above a bike rack
God will protect those who eat at the temple, something like that
Let us prey and give thanks for finding this remarkable unique and fascinating place.
re-wind, press play
C'mon lets go se if we can find any beer 'n stuff in here, the sun has passed over the yard arm, we all have the Captains permission to imbibe.
A redundant bell
In 1915, by orders of General Salvador Alvarado, the Cathedral was looted, losing its invaluable collection of sacred art, including Baroque and Churrigueresque altarpieces dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, the Cathedral Treasure, and the Walcker organ, made in Germany, which had just been built in 1902.
The Cristo de la Unidad, standing 25ft tall is the largest indoor crucifix in the world. It was built in 1965 in Madrid, shipped over and erected by the Church in an attempt to build a sense of unity between the Maya and the Catholicism. ( not withstanding the pillaging, raping, murdering and the demolition of the Mayan temple upon which this place was built some 500 years previous.
Stones in the floor the reminder of former residents of the parish
These are offerings of thanks, a quaint local practice whereby the faithful pray to a saint for help in a personal matter.
If (big IF) the prayer is answered, the devout place a ribbon, often marked with some brief statement of thanks for the blessing granted.
Someone has been a busy boy.
Thanks for visiting my page, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. this is Stephen aka, @grindle, happily retired, travelling the world snapping away. My weapon of choice is currently a Nikon Z6(2).
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Beuatiful photograpy
cheers @andrearojas55 thanks for dropping in, I appreciate it, glad you enjoyed walking with me
A feast for the eyes! Great artworks!
yeah unexpected bonus!
What a great find before the beer. Art was everywhere which is a reminder of how devout they are to Catholicism. Surely the Virgin Carmen will protect the gangs but the tourists too. The church is also beautiful and clearly lots of prayers are answered.
Great photos.
thanks @momogrow always appreciate your kind and insightful comments, I felt protected!
Every art has it own stories, love the vibes of the place.. you have done amazing photography...
cheers @gargi thanks for dropping in, and I appreciate your kind words, thank you for enjoying this town with me
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Very nice! I love the El Templo with its many pieces of art. I'm going to make a point of visiting it next time I'm in Mérida.
Hahaha, the virgin protects the ganag! Why not? Though I'd say in this case it probably refers to the folks of the neighborhood. Instead of la banda you could also say la gente or la raza. Which is not to mean that the people of the barrio are necessarily involved in an organized crime group, though it is possible.
yes drop in it is amazing!, yeah I get that about the gangs, it was a safe place to wander, so "gangs" like you say is too literal
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Wow! what beautiful paintings, they are great works of art with great stories to tell; the facade of the Cathedral of San Idelfonso has a nice design and beautiful decorations, thanks for sharing nice pictures.
Greetings!
cheers @belkyscabrera thanks for dropping in, I am glad you visited and enjoyed, two wonderful places in a wonderful town