Magical Valladolid

The lead photo is a night shot of Valladolid, including the Church of San Servacio on the main plaza.

Valladolid is an important small city in the eastern part of the state, and serves as a focal point for people from many nearby villages who come there to shop or participate in cultural events. In the summer of 2012 it was named an official Mexican “Pueblo Mágico” (magical town), and some consider it as the next San Miguel de Allende.

The Church of San Servacio is in the Centro of Valladolid, on the south side of the main plaza, on Calle 41 between 40 and 42. This church took the place of the one which was erected on March 24, 1545, by Padre Francisco Hernández whose façade faced the west, which was the custom for Yucatecan temples in the Colonial era. In 1705 the original church was completely demolished by the order of the Bishop Don Pedro de Los Reyes Ríos due to its profanity in the so-called “Assassination of the Mayors”. In 1706 the construction of the current church began, and in order to have its main access facing the main plaza, it was given a new orientation which is why the church now faces the north and not the west. Above the main façade is a clock dating from the XIX century, the only public clock in the city.

From the beginning, Valladolid has had the structure of the Spanish establishments in Yucatán, with a checkerboard design, wide streets, and its great main plaza, today is known as Parque Francisco Cantón. It is divided into the city center and its neighborhoods; the whole together is known as the Centro Histórico. In the spring of 2012, Valladolid received the federal decree Zona de Monumentos. It includes the following places: Municipal Palace, Casa de la Cultura, Casa de Los Portales, the Iglesia de San Servacio, the Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado, the Bazar Municipal, the Centro Artesanal, the San Roque Museum, and the Parque de los Heroes.

Ever since the colorful makeover of its Centro Histórico, Valladolid has a slightly more cosmopolitan feel, while still maintaining its traditional authentic charm. There are a few gourmet restaurants popping up and various unique businesses such Coqui Coqui Perfumeria and Dutzi Design handbags; and world class attractions such as Casa de los Venados, private home-museum of Mexican folk art.

Siesta hour still provides a relaxing feel to the afternoon, and the main zócalo is often the setting for festivals and music.

Valladolid’s strategic location about halfway between Mérida and Cancun make it an ideal place to use as a base while exploring archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá and Ek Balam. There are also several beautiful cenotes in and around Valladolid.