Did you ever wonder what lies hidden behind those closed doors?  The magic of Merida lies in wait!  Take the opportunity to explore the soul of a neighborhood:  El Centro.

MEL Members:  50% Discount (100 pesos) during October.

Reservations unnecessary, but appreciated.
Phone: 924-8401

What:    The original Merida English Library House &
               Garden Tour is now in its 9th year.
Where:  Tour leaves from the Merida English Library, #524
               Calle 53 between C.66 & C.68
When:    Every Tuesday from October through April  9am - Noon
                Registration & complimentary Coffee & Pastries from
                9am to 9:30am.
 Why:     All proceeds benefit the Merida English Library & its
               community service.
 Cost:     200 pesos.  MEL Members: 100 pesos for the month of
               October

Did you ever wonder what lies hidden behind those closed doors?  The “magic” of Merida lies in wait!

Merida’s El Centro is one of the largest “Centro Historico” districts in all of the Americas, surpassed only by the historic centers of Havana, Cuba and Mexico City.  And in Merida, you will see Spanish colonial architecture unlike any in the rest of Mexico.  Moreover, these centuries-old residential treasures are being rescued from ruin as Merida’s El Centro enjoys a Renaissance in renovation.

Satisfy your curiosity!  Join MEL for an enhanced 2012-2013 Season Tour of 3 to 4 properties in Merida’s Centro Historico, October through April.  Each Tour begins with complimentary coffee and pastries in the lovely, shaded MEL patio.  Then you take part in a 30-minute orientation designed to provide an interesting glimpse into why El Centro houses are as they are.  After coffee and orientation, you will visit a variety of properties.  The Tour ends about 12:00 noon, and costs 200 pesos.  ALL proceeds benefit MEL.

The MEL tour is a “walking tour” of a wide variety of homes and gardens in Merida’s “Centro Historico”.  Properties visited are located within a 10-minute walk of the Merida English Library, and include houses of various styles, sizes, and ages. The MEL House & Garden Tour is a “must do” for all visitors and residents alike!  It’s relaxing, informative, and fun!

What to expect from the tour:
“Registration” begins at 9am with complimentary coffee & pastries. You’ll have plenty of time to mingle and relax with your coffee in the patio if you wish (or come a bit later if you choose).  MEL has a lovely, tree-shaded patio at the rear of the library.

Next, you will be asked to gather in the patio for an informative “Orientation” that lasts about 30 minutes, and concentrates on five of the most important "Influences" that have caused Merida houses to be the way they are.  This will provide a unique perspective when visiting properties in El Centro.  

The Orientation will answer questions such as:  What does Merida’s climate have to do with where the doors are typically located?  Is Mexican culture the cause of the many “train style” houses?  What is “momposteria”, and why are walls built out of it?  And why does your house deed translation say that you bought a “House made of rubble”?

Finally, you will be given a map of the tour area as well as the addresses of properties to be toured - and the tour will be off to the first property.

You will see inside restored homes from a variety of eras, including many from the Colonial and Art Deco periods.  Some houses will be more modest, and some will be on a grand scale.  For the first time this season, the MEL House & Garden Tour  will also visit “homes in progress” - so participants should wear shoes suitable for touring construction sites.

The Tour concludes around noon, and participants are encouraged to return for another tour - as every effort is made to rotate properties so that they won’t see the same house twice.

For more information, call or email us!