All about Palacio Cantón in Mérida, Mexico

Palacio Cantón is one of the most beautiful, largest and best-known colonial buildings on the Paseo de Montejo in Mérida. It was built at the end of the porphyriate between 1904 and 1908 on behalf of General Francisco Cantón Rosado.

From then on, the house served as the family's residence. Francisco Cantón was a prominent businessman and politician and finally became governor of Yucatán.

Architecture

The house was designed by the Italian architect Enrico Deserti and was built by the Yucatecan architect and engineer Manuel G. Kanton Ramos. It shows influences of French neoclassicism, an architectural trend influenced by classical Greek and Roman elements.

However, the eclectic architecture of the building also features classical and French baroque details. Palacio Cantón is characterized by its imposing façade, elegant doric and ionic columns, balconies and many more decorative elements.

The interior of the palace is also magnificently designed, with ornate details such as marble floors, woodwork and decorations that reflect the wealth and elegance of the time.

Museo Regional de Antropología

The governor lived in his house until his death. After Francisco Cantón Rosado's passing, the house was occupied by various owners until it was finally acquired by the Yucatán government and converted into a museum (Museo Regional de Antropología).

The museum houses an impressive collection of archaeological finds and artifacts from the Yucatán region and offers visitors an insight into the rich history and culture of the Maya and other indigenous peoples.