Travel To Mexico

MORELIA

Morelia, declared a World Heritage site because of the architecture, spaciousness and aesthetic symmetry of its plazas, gardens and atriums, is one of the loveliest colonial cities in America, in addition to enjoying a well-earned reputation as a cultural center.

First-time visitors to the city will be surprised by the pink stone of the buildings in the Historical Center and the elegance of its Cathedral, the sound of whose bells accompanies those strolling through the city’s streets, plazas and gardens. They will also be able to admire examples of the city’s viceregal architecture in the baroque, neoclassical and plateresque styles such as the Clavijero Palace, the Palacio de Gobierno, the Church of the Society of Jesus and the Church of St. Augustine. Visitors are usually surprised to discover that music is still played at the Conservatorio de las Rosas, the first of its kind in America. Also of interest

is the Aqueduct, a late 18th century hydraulic work, as well as the houses that have preserved some of the loveliest courtyards in Mexico.

In addition to its colonial buildings, churches and former monasteries, Michoacán also provides an opportunity to buy selected handicrafts and share unforgettable moments with the people who make them: the master craftsmen.

Exploring the lively, colorful markets, seeing the traditional clothes still worn in this region and sampling Michoacán’s delicious cuisine will give you a feel for the area and its people.

Construction of the city of Valladolid began on May 18 1541 on the initiative of the first viceroy of New Spain, Antonio de Mendoza, in a place known as Guayangeo. Its original grid was the one most commonly used in settlements of the time in the Spanish colonies. Since the 19th century, the capital of Michoacán has been called Morelia, in honor of one of the most important figures in the struggle for Mexico’s independence, José Ma.
Morelos y Pavón.

ARCHITECTURE
The capital of Michoacán is renowned for its impressive civil and religious constructions built between the 16th and 19th centuries, most of which are concentrated in the Historical Center, declared a World Heritage Site in 1991. Morelia contains magnificent examples of the baroque and other styles such as the neoclassical and plateresque, as well as 18th and 19th century buildings.

Iglesia and ex convento de San Francisco
Plateresque construction built in 1531. Since 1972 it has housed the Casa de las Artesanías de Michoacán.

Morelia Catedral
Magnificent pink stone building erected between 1660 and 1670 in the baroque style. Its interior is decorated with Doric and neoclassical features. On Av. Francisco I. Madero in the Historic Center of Morelia.

Museo de Arte Colonial
Occupies the site of the city’s first printing press. Since 1985, it has displayed works of various origins. Av. Benito Juárez 240.

Palacio Clavijero
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive baroque constructions in the city, built in the 17th century. Located at Nigromante 79.

Templo and Conservatorio de las Rosas
Baroque construction erected in the 18th century. The School of Music was established there in the late 1940¿s and it currently houses the Morelia Boys¿ Choir. Set on the corner of Eduardo Ruiz and Nigromante.

Templo and ex convento del Carmen
Monumental baroque complex dating from 1593 with magnificent white and blue tiled domes. Av. Morelos Norte 485.

The Aqueduct
The need for water in Morelia (and in other parts of the country) moved the architects and engineers of New Spain to build this aqueduct, of which, today, 253 of its arches along a construction of 1,700 meters still stand. This aqueduct was built in the 17th century, but suffered a great deal of damage, which required heavy remodeling and repair work.

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