Heart of Santa Ana Barrio - Merida

My first trip to Merida was in May several years ago and although each day started fairly clear, by afternoon it was a different matter. Just as the... more

by Mark Tisdale

Title

Heart of Santa Ana Barrio - Merida

Artist

Mark Tisdale

Medium

Photograph - Photo

Description

My first trip to Merida was in May several years ago and although each day started fairly clear, by afternoon it was a different matter. Just as the sun started its descent, the skies would begin filing with clouds and a cool breeze would wash over the town. As that light around the time of late afternoon and early evening is my favorite, it was a happy time to have cool breezes!

And it was one of those last afternoons there, after I had discerned this pattern in the weather and had gotten a feel for the places I wanted to be when the light was best that found me in the Santa Ana Barrio. Now just a short walk from the city center, when the city of Merida was founded in the 16th century, this was the outskirts of the city and home to the indigenous Maya. In fact, the first church on this site, reportedly built on the foundation of a Mayan temple, served the Maya.

Somewhere along the way, the proximity to the core of the city caused this to be a bit more of a posh neighborhood and the flavor of it changed. That may be why the 17th century church seen now is in such excellent repair.

I didn't know the history of Iglesia de Santa Ana when I took this photo, though. I just loved the beautiful yellow color and the towering palm trees that gave it such a tropical flavor. And I found the unusual pyramid bell towers intriguing. I've since read that they may have been a hat tip to the Mayan temples that were erased for this church. Whatever the case, this is certainly the heart of this little barrio in Merida.

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April 12th, 2013