PXL_20250418_191415733

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 07:49:23 +0100

This house was built between 1542 and 1549 as the residence of Francisco de Montejo "el Adelantado". It features an elaborate carved doorway, which is believed to be the most intricate of the 16th century in America. The door tells the story of the social, political, and cultural status of its owners, the Montejo family, who were the conquerors of Yucatán.

The only original part of the house that still stands is its façade, which was built in the Plateresque style of Spanish Renaissance. The façade features an intricate iconography that represents the power of the Montejo
family. Among the various motifs used, there are vegetal patterns, fantastic animals, angels' faces, and other elements. It also bears the possible portraits of "el Adelantado," his wife Beatriz de Herrera, and his son Francisco de Montejo "el Mozo."

At the top of the structure, there are depictions of men
wearing woolen cloaks and holding maces. There are
also warriors standing on top of heads, which are
guarding Montejo's coat of arms. These figures are a
reference to the Conquest of Mexico. The sculpture of
an Atlantean, located above the door, is interpreted by
some as Hercules, while others see it as the signature
of the architect