The San Juan Arch, Merida

The city of Merida was founded in 1540, and for many centuries, its inhabitants sought refuge behind formidable walls that shielded them from the threat of hostile indigenous tribes. As the city expanded in the 19th century, some of these ancient gates, which once led to the protective fortress, have endured, serving as portals to the Old City of Merida, where a wealth of captivating sights awaits.

Among these gateways, the renowned San Juan Arch stands as a testament to Merida's storied past. Today, it resembles a beautifully adorned arch that gracefully spans a street between two historic buildings. This architectural gem traces its origins back to 1690 when it was constructed as part of a larger initiative to fortify the city's defenses. The design of the arch drew inspiration from a similar gate in the neighboring town of Campeche.

The San Juan Arch occupies a special place in history as it marks the starting point of the Camino Real, a historical route that connected two of Yucatan's principal cities: Merida and San Francisco de Campeche. This path retraced the steps of the Spanish conquistadors who ventured into the region.

Atop the arch, nestled within a niche, rests a statue of San Juan, or St. John the Baptist, adding a spiritual dimension to this historical landmark. Many tourists, passing beneath the arch, may not realize that they are treading the same path once taken by those early Spanish explorers.