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Road trip to Izamal and Dzilam de Bravo, Yucatan Izamal Fray Diego de Landa's statue the Spanish Franciscan monk who built the convent  About 50 miles east of Merida is the Spanish colonial town and ancient Maya city of Izamal, where Franciscan monk Fray Diego de Landa built the largest convent in the Americans in the early 16th century. We came here to re-visit Izamal, take some pictures and see how things had changed since 1994 when we first visited. Izamal is full of history. The "San Antonio De Padua" convent sits on top of a former Mayan temple (Pop-hol-Chac) whose stone was stripped to build the convent. Another tremendous Maya temple mound, "Kinich-Kakmo" can be seen across the town square in the distance, hence the name, Izamal, the "City of Hills".
At the foot of the convent's entrance ladies sell candles in glass cups and miracle charms called "milagros" for offerings inside the convent, or as souvenirs. a little history... |
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The grand entrance to the convent's courtyard | ||
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Inside the convent's tremendous courtyard surrounded by arched columns, leading to the entrance | ||
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A physically challenged man walks toward the entrance to the convent | ||
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Intricately carved wooden doors lead into the altar | ||
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The altar is covered with gold | ||
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View of the zocalo from the convent's courtyard | ||
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Horse and carriage "taxis" offer rides around Izamal | ||
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The "arch" next to the convent is one of Izamal's landmarks | ||
| around the zocalo... Izamal's zocalo (town square) is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. We bought some delicious cut-up mango in a cup and then wandered over to "Hecho a Mano", a store that Kay had heard of and wanted to investigate. There we met Hector Garza, the owner who has been in business selling local folk art and crafts for years. He had quite an interesting collection of rare photographs, books, masks, hammocks, statues, figurines and many other collectibles. |
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Hector Garza- owner of "Hecho a Mano" collectible folk art and rare crafts | ||
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The colonial architecture around Izamal is beautiful. Most of the buildings are painted the traditional golden color. This building on the zacalo is where Hecho a Mano is located. | ||
 the trip north to Dzilam de Bravo click here |
Kay with the "festival fish" ornament, made to be worn around the waist in a dia del festival celebration, and a photo we bought at Hecho a Mano | ||
To learn more and see more photos of Izamal and Yucatan state please visit the links below.
Azul Fives All-inclusive Resort in Near Playa del Carmen Azul Sensatori All-inclusive Resort in Puerto Morelos Bel Ha Villa in Xpu Ha Bellamar Villa in Akumal Casa Caracol Villa in Tankah Bay Hotel Le Reve Hotel/Resort in Playa del Carmen Playa Palms Hotel/Resort in Playa del Carmen Secrets Silversands All-inclusive Resort in Puerto Morelos Uolis Nah Hotel/Resort in Tulum Valentin Imperial Maya All-inclusive Resort in Playa del Secreto Villa Luminosa Villa in Tankah Bay |
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| Also visit the Yucatecan city of Valladolid
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