CASA MORISCA: A Merida vision from ‘A Thousand and One Arabian Nights’

The capital of Yucatan is one of the oldest cities of our continent. Merida’s construction, which began a few years after the conquest of Mexico by Spaniards, has persisted constantly over the centuries, leaving as witnesses of this growth various buildings that today are unique tourist attractions.

 

Erected in different styles, epochs and circumstances, the mansions of Mérida are imposing and significant due to their magnificence as well as their impressive beauty.

La Casa Morisca (Moorish House), located at the corner of 56 and 51 streets in Centro, reflects the Moorish-French influence that is seen in several Merida houses built by Spanish immigrants.  Possibly flooded with Andalusian nostalgia, these immigrants chose unique designs for these mansions, with truly exquisite results.

 

With a facade that conjures visions out of A Thousand and One Arabian Nights, La Casa Morisca rises somewhat startlingly from the pavement of a well-trafficked intersection in Centro. Despite its strikingly distinct architectural design, its current paint colors of beige and brown blend in with surrounding homes and buildings and lend a tranquil note to the block.

Whenever you are in the area, make a point to pass by La Casa Morisca, snap a few photos and try to imagine the lives that have been lived within its walls since its construction in the early 20th century.

 

–By Robert Adams with information from Wikipedia and other sources

Leave a Reply

Tu dirección de correo electrónico no será publicada. Los campos obligatorios están marcados con *