Casa Morisca (Moorish House), Merida

Casa Morisca, also known as the Moorish House, is a captivating architectural gem nestled in the heart of Merida, Mexico. This remarkable residence, constructed in 1909, has a storied history marked by periods of neglect and painstaking restoration.

Originally commissioned by Genaro Pérez y Santos, a merchant hailing from Pontevedra, Spain, Casa Morisca was intended to be a shared abode with his Yucatecan wife, María Alzina. Genaro and his brother Federico, both traders, along with José María Pino Domínguez, went on to establish a carbonated water company—a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit.

The distinctive Casa Morisca boasts 24 rooms and showcases a unique blend of French and Moorish architectural styles, which immediately set it apart. During the 1920s, it served as the United States Consulate, and in the 1930s, it transformed into a maternity hospital, embodying its adaptive nature over the years.

Intriguingly, this historic house even played a role in the world of cinema when scenes from the 1977 movie "La Casta Divina" were filmed within its walls. At that time, the Chapur family was among its notable owners.

In 1991, architect Eduardo Millet Cámara undertook a comprehensive restoration, breathing new vitality into Casa Morisca. Fast forward to 2017 when the property changed hands once more, and this transition marked the beginning of a gradual renovation and expansion process. While the original building is steeped in intricate Moorish and French architectural details, the newer section adopts a contrasting modernistic design.