Casas Gemelas: History of Merida's Twin Mansions
The Architectural Climax of Paseo de Montejo
Located at Paseo de Montejo #495, Las Casas Cámara—commonly known as Las Casas Gemelas (The Twin Houses)—represent the architectural climax of Merida's Golden Age. Built with fortunes from the regional "oro verde" (henequen) industry during the Porfiriato, these striking mansions solidify the boulevard's status as Merida's Champs-Élysées. The structures share an engineering lineage with the neighboring Palacio Cantón.
The Henequen Boom and French Design
Commissioned by wealthy henequen landowners Ernesto and Camilo Cámara Zavala, the mansions were planned between 1905 and 1907. During the height of the natural fiber market, the brothers imported architectural blueprints directly from France. Parisian architect Gustave Umbdenstock designed the French Beaux-Arts style mansions, and his designs were published in the 1907 French journal La Construction Moderne. Yucatecan engineer Manuel G. Cantón Ramos oversaw the local construction, and the houses were officially inaugurated on December 24, 1911.
Inside the Twin Houses
To promote natural ventilation, the structures are elevated half a level, incorporating semi-basements and mezzanines. Inside, the interior furniture was custom-crafted in Paris by prominent cabinetmakers specifically to fit the house's blueprints. Despite the nickname "The Twin Houses," the two mansions are not identical. The southern house features a French mansard roof and arched window pediments, whereas the northern house displays Spanish-influenced flat rooftop terraces with balustrades.
Montejo 495 Casa Museo Today
After the global natural fiber market collapsed, the properties changed hands. The northern house passed to the Molina family and remains a closed, private residence today. The southern house was sold in 1964 to regional tourism pioneer Fernando Barbachano Gómez Rul. Under the Barbachano family, it hosted high-profile international figures, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Queen Juliana of the Netherlands. In January 2021, Maruja Barbachano Herrero opened the southern house to the public as Montejo 495 Casa Museo to preserve its heritage. Today, the museum offers bilingual guided tours of over 20 period rooms. Its grand salon famously features the first residential chandelier in Yucatán wired for electric lighting.
FAQ
Can the public visit Casas Gemelas?
Yes, the southern house is open to the public as the Montejo 495 Casa Museo, offering bilingual guided tours of over 20 period rooms. The northern house remains a closed, private residence.
Are the two mansions of Casas Gemelas exactly identical?
No, despite their nickname, the structures have differences. The southern house features a French mansard roof and arched window pediments, while the northern house has Spanish-influenced flat rooftop terraces with balustrades.
Who built Las Casas Cámara in Merida?
The mansions were commissioned by henequen landowners Ernesto and Camilo Cámara Zavala. They were designed by Parisian architect Gustave Umbdenstock and built by Yucatecan engineer Manuel G. Cantón Ramos.
