Barrio La Merced Archives

Casa Talavera

Ubicaci�n Talavera 20, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 CDMX

Cultural/Community Ctrs

Academia Nacional de San Carlos

Ubicaci�n Academia 22, Historic Center, 06060 CDMX.

Museums Museums

Plaza la Aguilita / Plaza Juan José Baz

Ubicaci�n Pl. Juan José Baz 7, Centro Histórico, Alc. Cuauhtémoc, 06990 CDMX

Parks Parks

Mercado de Mixcalco

Ubicaci�n Circunvalación, esq con Calle de Mixcalco, Centro, Alc. Cuauhtémoc, 06020 CDMX

Shopping

Mercado de Sonora

Ubicaci�n Fray Servando Teresa de Mier 419, Merced Balbuena, Venustiano Carranza, 15800 CDMX

Shopping

Seminario Conciliar

Ubicaci�n Calle Regina 111, Col. Centro Histórico, Alc. Cuauhtémoc, 06090 CDMX

Historic Sites/Bldgs

The Barrio La Merced is essentially the southeast corner of Mexico City's Centro Histórico. Like most of the City's "barrios," it's conceptually understood, but doesn't correspond to a modern territorial designation. For lots of City residents, la Merced will always mean the Merced Market. In fact, the market, now to the east, is so big, it's nearly a neighborhood on its own.

But the Merced neighborhood pre-dates the market. It recalls a time when nearly every neighborhood, or small town, was named for its reigning religious institution. In this case, it was the Merced Monastery, one of the most important in New Spain, and certainly in Mexico City.

The monastery is gone today, although a small and illustrious part of it can be visited. In its place is a neighborhood that teems with commerce, but also with homes, schools, and government buildings.

In the City Center, it's a must-visit. If you're on your way to the market, the Barrio Merced provides a better understanding of Mexico's long tradition of tianguis shopping, the cries of the vendors, and the flavors of the Mesoamerican past.