The Santa Ana neighborhood, in the Historic Center of the city, includes the Church, the Park and the Santa Ana Market. It is very quiet to spend a pleasant time.
The façade of the church is very simple and is topped by an iron cross and two pyramid-shaped bell towers located at each end. After crossing the simple atrium, you will see the entrance under a semicircular arch. The entire façade of the building is made of solid stone, very sober. As an interesting fact, it is said that the old bell that the parish temple has is considered the one with the best sound in the entire city.
Just like the exterior, the interior of this church does not hide its simplicity. In the presbytery there is a wooden altar painted with oil, with golden details, and which is located on a platform with three steps running along the entire front, limited by two bars: one iron and one wooden.
The stained glass windows in the side windows allow the subtlety of the colors to fill the interior chapels with light. In the middle of the altar, the image of Saint Anne (mother of the Virgin Mary) stands out, to whom this temple is consecrated.
Between 1725 and 1733, the Governor and Captain General Antonio de Figueroa y Silva Lazo de la Vega Ladrón del Niño de Guevara, ordered the construction of a stone arch (demolished in the 19th century) at the crossroads of the current
60th and 47th streets, which at that time were the outskirts of the city. Shortly after, the first stone of the parish temple of Santa Ana would be laid, a work that the governor himself would finance.
Currently, Santa Ana Park is a micro world where shops, cafes and art galleries open around the ancient walls of the temple. The abundant green areas of the park alternate with the old houses in the surrounding area, which little by little are rehabilitated by new inhabitants who have rediscovered the charm of life in the Historic Center of Mérida.
Right here, you will find the unique flavor of the market, a favorite place for many, both locals and visitors, to have breakfast or to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner of regional snacks.
