Valladolid is 159 km from Mérida and 156 km from Cancun. Its strategic location makes it a mandatory stop for travelers visiting the Yucatan Peninsula.
What makes this city unique are its beautiful sunsets, its huge churches, an old former convent, and many cenotes with crystal clear water where you can swim and cool down. Plus, it’s very close to a couple of archaeological sites, including Chichen Itza. You will end up loving this colonial destination in Mexico.
There are too many tourist attractions in Valladolid to mention, and you can spend a few days in town visiting museums, cenotes, and restaurants.
The Cathedral of San Servacio: an obligatory stop for tourists in Valladolid
Of course, the city center is one of the most visited places. The Cathedral of San Servacio is the most photographed place in Valladolid.
This cathedral was built for the first time in 1545. It is a symbol of power and control over the religion of the Mayan culture. In 1703, it underwent a remodeling and was rebuilt, now placing the entrance on 41st Street instead of 43rd.
The imposing church of Valladolid
The cathedral has thick masonry walls, and the façade is made of finely carved stone with ornaments and floral figures.
Measuring approximately 15 meters high, the church's façade is protected by two towers with a bell. At the top of the towers, there are two carved stone crosses. Standing in front of this cathedral is always an awe-inspiring sight.
An interesting detail is the snakeskin texture they used on top of the main entrance, which is considered by many a nod to the old Mayan religion and beliefs. Pay attention when you visit the church and look for this scale texture on the stone.
You can visit the cathedral during the day, but if you have the opportunity to see it at night, the lighting changes its appearance completely. The church is open only for Catholic worship at different times of the day.
Visit the church of Valladolid, Yucatán
If you get there while it’s open, pay attention to the church building itself, walk through its patios, and go around it to see its lateral buttresses and some stone statues.
If you have the opportunity to enter, you will see a Churrigueresque-style atrium divided into four parts that contain images. Inside, you can see some other exciting details, but this type of church shows its beauty mainly on the outside.
In front of this cathedral is the Francisco Cantón Rosado Park, where you can sit on a bench and admire this majestic temple.
