Izamal, Yucatan
In the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula –41 miles from the city of Merida– is located one of the most important colonial jewels of Mayan territory, the beautiful magical town of Izamal. It is believed that the first human settlements arrived to Izamal around 750 a.C., flourishing and becoming one of the most important political, social and religious centers of the Mayan civilization. Due to the importance of Izamal among inhabitants of the region, European explorers considered it essential to establish a center of evangelization in a place of such religious value, for which the Convent of San Antonio de Padua was erected in 1549, over the ruins of pre-Hispanic religious monuments. Today, Izamal is one of the most popular tourist spots in the state of Yucatan, attracting thousands of national and foreign visitors every year with its beauty and cultural syncretism.
Interesting Facts about Izamal
The name Izamal comes from the Mayan word "Zamná" whose meaning is "dew from heaven". Another name for which Izamal is also known is "The City of the Three Cultures", derived from the harmonious and evident coexistence of its pre-Hispanic roots with the colonial and contemporary eras.
The first "Pueblo Mágico". In 2001, Izamal was the first town to receive the "Pueblo Mágico" distinction in the country. Today there are more than 110 towns in that category.
The Yellow City: Once you get to Izamal you will immediately notice that all buildings have a very characteristic yellow-ocher color. According to information from local chroniclers, the city was painted uniformly in yellow as a tribute to the Vatican City during the visit of John Paul II in 1993.
Izamal also became known by locals as "The City of the Hills". The pyramids surrounding the city were hidden for a long time, and their shapes resembled small mountains.
The atrium of the Convent of San Antonio de Padua is considered the largest in Latin America, and the second largest in the world (just behind of St. Peter's Square atrium) and is composed of 75 arches, with an esplanade of more than 7,000 square meter.
How to get there
From Merida: Take the federal highway “Costera del Golfo” (180) east. Continue straight for 40 km until you reach Hoctun. Once there, take the detour towards Izamal and keep going for 21 km until you reach Izamal.
From Cancun: Take the highway 180 D to Merida. Continue straight for 224 km until you reach Hoctun. Once there, take the detour towards Izamal and keep going for 21 km until you reach Izamal.
What to do
Convent of San Antonio de Padua: Without a doubt the convent of San Antonio de Padua is the most popular landmark among visitors to the city of Izamal. Its enormous dimensions, as well as its architectural beauty and its cultural value make it the main attraction of this beautiful town. At night, there is a light and sound show projected on the atrium of the convent, where it is possible to learn more about the past and present of Izamal.
Kinich Kakmó and Itzamatul Pyramids: A few meters from the convent you will find these majestic pyramids. The pyramid of Kinich Kakmó stands 34 meters high and is dedicated to the god of the same name, whose meaning in Spanish is "the fire macaw with a solar face." The Itzamatul Pyramid is the second largest pyramid in Izamal (behind Kinich Kakmó) with 22 meters of height, and its name in Spanish means "he who receives or possesses the grace of heaven".
Izamal Historic Neighborhood: Walking around the streets surrounding the convent is possible to know more about the culture of Izamal thanks to the signs placed on buildings that have a special relevance in the history of the city. Also, one can browse trough different handicrafts and traditional shops, where they sell products of the region and typical Yucatecan food.
Where to eat
Kinich: Traditional Yucatecan restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. An excellent place to taste the typical delicacies of the region accompanied by a refreshing drink. Kinich is located at 27th Street # 299, between 28th Street and 30th Street.
Zamná: Another traditional restaurant with the characteristic flavor of Yucatecan food. It has a very nice and fresh atmosphere for those hot days.
