The Yucatan Peninsula’s history is long and varied, but undoubtedly one of the most interesting periods in its history is the Mexican colonial era. Read more about this remarkable time period and how it changed how the Yucatan is perceived today.
When Spain explored the New World and tore through the Yucatan, the Spaniards left their mark on the area forever. They claimed the land as their own, tried to convert the natives to Catholicism, and profited heavily from the vast amount of gold they found. The Spaniards took over as the new rulers of the land. Although they adapted to their environment, the environment was forever changed by their arrival, in both good and bad ways. The pairing of the Spaniards with the natives led to an era of destruction and turmoil, but it also led to an era of change and wealth.
This era brought forth a new style of architecture, far different from the style in which the natives were accustomed. It is called Mexican or Spanish colonial architecture. It should not be confused with the American colonial architecture as they are quite unique and separate from each other. When the Spaniards came to the New World, they brought with them the techniques that they used to build houses in the past. The Spanish conquistadors and their descendants settled into the new land that they had found, and they needed towns and cities in which to live. They had to build their own houses in the Yucatan. They tried to build them in such a way that would remind them of their home country, Spain. After all, this was their new home but they still remembered their past, much like we do today.
However, these building techniques that the Spaniards brought with them were not entirely suited for the new environment they inhabited. The style changed in order to better fit the weather and the unique available resources. They built houses with thick, heavy walls and tiled floors. The colonial style uses mainly white colors, due to both the availability of white stone but also due to the fact that the white color deflects some of the heat. One of the most interesting parts of the architecture, however, is the use of a small outdoor courtyard built into the middle of many houses. This outdoor area allows for the resident to cook outdoors so the kitchen inside does not heat the entire house during the sweltering summer. It also becomes a quiet place to rest and relax, day or night. These houses are truly unique, and the act of living in or visiting one is almost magical.
The Yucatan is a treasure trove of these colonial style houses. Because this was a lively area during the time period, houses were built constantly. Thousands of these colonial style houses, complete with a rich history, remain intact. Although many are now deteriorating, people have taken to renovating and renewing them so they can be lived in once more. What a wonderful opportunity it is to live in such a historical place! It is a pleasure knowing that they are living somewhere which was once part of the colonial era. Not only do they enjoy in the deep history of the town, they enjoy the history of their house as well. This new interest in the past has led to many more houses and building to be preserved for future generations to enjoy. The streets of the cities in the Yucatan are full of wonderful sights that hark to the colonial age of Mexico.
There has been a revival of interest in Mexican colonial architecture lately. Are you interested in renting, owning, or simply visiting
a colonial style house in the Yucatan? Mexicans and foreigners alike are taking advantage of the historical houses that the Yucatan offers. Not only are the renovating the existing colonial homes, but they are using the inspiration of the colonial style in order to build new homes. These modern houses spin the idea of the colonial architectural style and make it more applicable to today’s world. If you are looking to buy a colonial home in the Yucatan, do your research and check what condition the building is in and what it could possibly be renovated to. If that doesn’t seem to be worthwhile, you could always also build a colonially inspired home for yourself in this beautiful area. Whether you want to live here permanently, own a summer home, or just visit and relax in someone else’s colonial bed and breakfast or guest house, there is always something that the Yucatan can offer you. You will be amazed at how seamlessly the old melds with the new in this wonderful area. Take a look at what the Yucatan has to offer. Stay as a guest in the Yucatan and you will forever want to be a resident here.
