MORELIA
HISTORICAL INTEREST
The Plaza de Armas ( Arms Square) or the Plaza de los Mártires ( Martyr’s Square) is of historical interest as many of the leaders of the insurgents in the Independence movement were executed there.
Plaza de Armas Morelia
Two insurgent leaders were executed just next to this plaza in 1814, and from this stems the name of the garden in the square, Jardin de Mártires (The Garden of the Martyrs). Today, it has a beautiful kiosk surrounded by trees and old colonial buildings.
MUSEUMS
Morelia is a center of cultural activity and has excellent museums on viceregal, popular and contemporary arts. It also has outstanding collections of Purépecha archaeology and regional history.
Museo del Estado de Michoacan
Consists of three sections: archaeology, history and ethnology. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guillermo Prieto 176.
Museo de Arte Colonial
Occupies the farm that housed the first printing press in Morelia. Two notable collections include one of colonial easel painting and another of over 100 figures of Christ from the 16th to 19th century. Also displays old books, religious ornamental objects, period maps and oriental objects from the CompañÃa de Indias. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Museo de Arte Contemporaneo “Alfredo Zalce”
Set in a 19th century mansion, it has 13 halls where exhibitions by guest artists are held. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Av. Acueducto 18.
Museo de las Artesanias
Displays collections of every type of craftwork in Michoacán. Open Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fray Juan de San Miguel 129, on the corner of Humboldt.
Museo de la Mascara
Set in the Casa de la Cultura de Morelia, this museum displays 167 ethnographic objects from various Mexican states. Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Av. Morelos Norte 485.
Museo Regional Michoacano
Includes a section dedicated to the ecology of the state and another five providing an overview from the pre-Hispanic era to Cárdenas´ administration. Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday.
GOLF
The best place for golf enthusiasts is the Club Campestre de Morelia and Club Campestre de Zacapu.
Club Campestre de Zacapú
The golf course here is flat and has 9 holes.
Club de Golf Campestre de Morelia
This semi-flat course has 9 holes,
NIGHT LIFE
While the night life in Morelia is not the main attraction, there are several options, including taking a walk through the historic center where there is a light show and night clubbing at X-it, Siglo XVIII, el Metro, XO Club, DV8 or La Casa de la Salsa.
DV8
Holiday Inn
La Casa de la Salsa
Villa San José
Xo Club
San Miguelito
This restaurant-bar-bazaar offers a great setting for dining and drinks, with a lively ambiance and unique decor. If you take a liking to your table or tableware, you can take it with you-many of the antiques and antique-style furnishings are for sale.
ECOTOURISM
Due to its natural characteristics and geographical location, Michoacán is a great place for sighting species of wild animals. The flocks of Monarch butterflies that arrive in the butterfly sanctuaries of El Rosario and the Reserva Especial. Similarly, you can also enjoy the Parque Cerro de Garnica ( Park) and the Parque Insurgente José MarÃa Morelos y Pavón (Park).
EXTREME SPORTS
Michoacán is the number one state in Mexico for mountain cycling. Some of the options available are the cycling excursion routes made through the city; the Zirahuén lake and the surrounding forests are also great places for mountain cycling.
HIKING & CLIMBING
Great mountain climbing opportunities exist in the mountains of the Parque Insurgente José MarÃa Morelos y Pavón (Park) that is approximately 110 km from Morelia and the Cerro de Garnica.
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