Your Merida Free Tour will take you for a well-paced walk around the historical center, with stops in Santa Lucia Park, Hidalgos Park, and the Plaza Grande, also known as the Zocalo. This large square is the heart of the city, and is surrounded by impressive colonial-era buildings, including the 16th-century Cathedral of San Ildefonso and the Government Palace. The Plaza Grande is a great place to people-watch, grab a bite to eat, or simply take in the sights and sounds of the city. After the cathedral, your group will head to the Casa de Montejo, a historic mansion that was once the home of one of the city's founders. It offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy Spanish colonists who once called Merida home.