
Iglesia de la Tercera Orden
A colonial gem in Merida, built with Mayan temple stones, boasting stunning architecture and intricate artwork.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Iglesia de la Tercera Orden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colonial gem in Merida, built with Mayan temple stones, boasting stunning architecture and intricate artwork.
"Photos don't do it justice; seeing this beautiful church in person is incomparable."

Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry to the church is free, making it an accessible and rewarding visit for all travelers.
Look for Mayan Glyphs :stone:
Keep an eye out for partial Mayan glyphs on the exterior stones, a unique historical detail.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 571 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mayan Stone Remnants
Exterior walls
Discover ancient Mayan glyphs subtly integrated into the church's stone facade, a testament to its unique historical foundation.

Stunning Interior Architecture
Main nave and chapels
Admire the first-rate artwork, retablo, statuary, and intricate stonework within the church's single nave and chapels.

Nighttime Illumination
Exterior
The church is beautifully illuminated at night, offering a different, equally captivating perspective of its grand architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Architectural Marvels & Mayan Roots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry to the church is free, making it an accessible and rewarding visit for all travelers.
Look for Mayan Glyphs :stone:
Keep an eye out for partial Mayan glyphs on the exterior stones, a unique historical detail.
Attend a Sunday Mass 🙏
Experience a beautiful local mass, complete with singing and ceremonies, on Sundays.
Nighttime Beauty ✨
The church is stunning when lit up at night; consider a visit after sunset for a different perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission! :money_with_wings:
Entry to the church is free, making it an accessible and rewarding visit for all travelers.
Look for Mayan Glyphs :stone:
Keep an eye out for partial Mayan glyphs on the exterior stones, a unique historical detail.
Attend a Sunday Mass 🙏
Experience a beautiful local mass, complete with singing and ceremonies, on Sundays.
Nighttime Beauty ✨
The church is stunning when lit up at night; consider a visit after sunset for a different perspective.
Photography is Welcome 📷
Capture the beauty of the architecture and artwork, but be mindful of ongoing services.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, calling it one of Merida's most beautiful churches and a must-see landmark. Its stunning architecture, intricate artwork, and unique history, including Mayan stone remnants, are major highlights. Many appreciate the free admission and the opportunity to witness local religious life.
"I visited the cathedral at night during my stay in Merida. It is beautiful with its architecture. We saw some people praying. We visited this place for free."
Rita
"Beautiful church. I can't remember the details but there is some cool background about the type of stones used and the architecture. I only viewed the landmark from the outside but it was a great site to see. I was on a walking tour and this was one of the highlights."
Curtis D
"Don’t miss out on this beautiful church!
Holy Mass times on Sundays:
09:00 am
12:00 (noon)
07:00 pm (19:00)
Attended mass (in Spanish) at this amazing church this morning at 9 am (Sunday)and witnessed a baptism. Beautiful ceremony, beautiful singing, beautiful mass!"
Stefan Haller, MD, DTM&H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Iglesia de la Tercera Orden is centrally located in Merida, Yucatan. It's easily accessible by walking if you're staying in the historic center. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available to take you directly to the church.
Parking in Merida's historic center can be challenging. It's best to utilize public parking lots or garages a few blocks away, or consider walking if your accommodation is nearby.
Yes, many walking tours in Merida include a stop at the Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, often highlighting its unique history and architecture.
While the main areas are generally accessible, some older structures may have uneven surfaces. It's advisable to check in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.
Exploring the surrounding historic center on foot is highly recommended to discover other colonial gems and soak in the Merida atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Iglesia de la Tercera Orden is free. You can enter and admire its beauty without any cost.
The church is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to check locally or look for mass schedules for the most accurate times.
Yes, Holy Mass is celebrated on Sundays at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm (noon), and 7:00 pm (19:00). Other weekdays may also have services.
Photography is generally permitted inside the church, but it's important to be respectful, especially during services. Avoid flash photography if it might disturb worshippers.
While there isn't a strict dress code, it's advisable to dress modestly out of respect for the religious nature of the site. Shoulders and knees should ideally be covered.
📸 📸 Photography
The facade offers great photo opportunities, especially during the golden hours. The interior, with its artwork and architecture, is also a popular subject.
Yes, the church is beautifully illuminated at night, making it a fantastic subject for evening photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around religious sites. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the grandeur of the interior and facade. A tripod can be helpful for low-light shots, especially at night.
While photography might be allowed, it's crucial to be discreet and respectful. Always ask for permission if you intend to photograph specific events or individuals.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
This church holds significant historical value as it was built using stones from a dismantled Mayan temple that once stood on the same site, showcasing a unique cultural fusion.
Yes, if you look closely at some of the exterior stones, you can still spot partial Mayan glyphs, offering a tangible link to the past.
The church features a colonial architectural style, characterized by its imposing facade, single nave, and chapels pierced into the walls. The stonework is particularly noteworthy.
The Tercera Orden, now known as the Secular Franciscan Order, was founded by St. Francis of Assisi for those who wished to live the Gospel while remaining in the world.
The interior boasts first-rate artwork, including a magnificent retablo, detailed statuary, and intricate stenciling, all contributing to its revered status.









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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit