Church of the Third Order of Jesus, Merida

The Church of the Third Order of Jesus, located just north of Parque Hidalgo, stands as one of the city's oldest and historically significant landmarks. It holds the distinction of being the first Jesuit church in the Yucatán region, with a rich history dating back to its construction in 1618.

This venerable structure was crafted using limestone blocks salvaged from a dismantled Maya temple, infusing it with a unique blend of colonial and indigenous architectural elements. Remarkably, faint traces of ancient carvings from the Maya era still adorn the church's west wall, offering a tangible connection to the region's rich pre-Columbian history.

While the Church of the Third Order of Jesus is often chosen as a venue for society weddings, its interior is characterized by simplicity rather than ornate embellishments. The unadorned yet evocative ambiance within the church's walls provides a sense of serenity and historical resonance.

The building's historical legacy extends beyond the church itself, as the former convent rooms at the rear of the complex have been repurposed to house the Pinoteca Juan Gamboa Guzmán. This small yet captivating art collection is a hidden gem within the church's precincts. Among its notable exhibits are the striking bronze sculptures crafted by the celebrated 20th-century artist Enrique Gottdiener Soto, which pay homage to the indigenous Maya culture.

Venturing to the second floor of the museum reveals a selection of approximately 20 oil paintings, most of which depict past civic officials. While these may not be the museum's most memorable offerings, they serve as an additional thread in the tapestry of the church's historical narrative.