Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Homeland), Merida

The Monument to the Homeland, sculpted entirely by hand, is a symbol of pride and a unique marvel located on the grand Paseo de Montejo Avenue.

Crafted in the mid-20th century by the skilled Colombian sculptor Rómulo Rozo, the Monument to the Homeland holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Mérida. It distinguishes itself as the sole structure in the world carved entirely directly into stone, making it an exceptional work of art and engineering.

The journey of creating this iconic monument commenced on March 7, 1945, under the visionary guidance of Rómulo Rozo, in collaboration with the architect Manuel Amábilis Domínguez, his son Max Amábilis, and the master builder Víctor Nazario Ojeda. Originally conceived to honor the Mexican flag, it was later decided that the monument should encompass a comprehensive visual narrative of Mexico's history, a truly ambitious undertaking that sets it apart from others in the country.

Due to the intricacy and scale of this monumental endeavor, construction spanned an impressive 11 years, culminating in its completion in 1956. On April 23 of that year, the Monument to the Homeland was officially inaugurated by the President of Mexico at the time, Adolfo Ruiz Cortines, marking a momentous occasion in Mexican history.

In 2016, the International Bureau of Cultural Capitals bestowed upon the Monument to the Homeland the honor of being recognized as one of the Cultural Treasures of Mérida and a cultural emblem of humanity.