Merida was founded in 1542, by francisco de montejo, "the Younger". It is a cosmopolitan city which still conserves its colonial atmosphere and the majesty of its construccions. when a vistor arrives in merida, he enters a differente world full of romanticism, culture and history. The richness of its impressive colonial architecture is shown in marvelous buildings, such as; the Main Square,St Idelfons Catedral, the governor's Palace, the Nun´s Church, the suburbs of St. James, St. John, St.Stephen St. Christopher and St. Anne; the Mejorada square and St. Elizabeth's Church. the French influence is portrayed al over the constructions from the begining of the century which also enjoyed the developed sisal industry of the state. In order to preserve the yucatecan traditions, there are different cultural activities performed everydays downtown; festival of musisc, dance and song. Merida, as every up-to-data city, boasts all manner of modern conviniences; five-star hotels, modest pensions, regional and internacional cuisine restaurants, video bars, discoteques, folk/guitar cafés, and many other attracctions that make an un forgotten adventure.