All about Mercado de San Benito in Mérida, Mexico

The Mercado de San Benito, sitting just a few steps from the Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, offers you the chance to experience two vibrant markets, each with its own energy and charm, in one visit. If you ask me, setting aside time for both is well worth it.

The market hall of San Benito is an impressive square that takes up an entire city block. It is bordered by Calle 56 and 54 to the west and east, with Calle 67 and 69 framing it to the north and south. Once you step inside, you enter the bustling life of the market.

I believe San Benito is a place where Mérida truly comes alive. It is the largest market in the city and, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating. Inside, you will find a lively meat hall where butchers showcase their craft, endless rows of fresh vegetables and fruits, and the irresistible fragrances of spices filling the air.

There are also beautiful displays of flowers, stalls with handcrafted jewelry, shoes that range from practical to ornate, and so much more. Every corner seems to offer something new, and each visit reveals something unexpected.

The market hall

Though its roots stretch deep into the city’s past, the market now thrives in a massive, multi-story building purpose-built for this purpose. Rebuilt in 2003, the market hall is a functional structure of concrete.

I have to admit, I don’t find the exterior of the market hall particularly appealing. The concrete building has a functional, utilitarian design that lacks charm. However, once you step inside, the energy and vibrant atmosphere of the market quickly make you forget about the plain exterior. If you come by car: There is a large underground parking garage.

History of the region

Where the bustling market hall now stands, and in the surrounding area, there was once the site of the citadel of San Benito, a formidable fortress that stood guard over Mérida during the colonial era. The space, now filled with the sounds of commerce and daily life, was once a stronghold of defense and authority.

The citadel was built to protect the city from potential attacks by rebellious Maya and served as a critical last line of defense during times of unrest.

Over the years, its role evolved, adapting to the changing needs of the city. Eventually, the fortress was repurposed for other uses before being demolished, leaving behind little trace of its imposing presence.

Today, as you walk through the market, it is intriguing to imagine what the area might have looked like centuries ago. The layers of history here remind me that Mérida is a city of resilience and reinvention, where every corner tells a story if you take the time to listen.