Morelia,
former "Valladolid", carries in its name the tribute
of its people to the memory of "Don Jose Maria Morelos
y Pavon". It is the state capital of Michoacan and in its
noble and lordly style shows its buildings, today monuments
of the viceroyalty period.
Festivities:
February: Carnival
March (variable): International Guitar Festival
March-April: Holy Week
April-May (variable): Expo Fair
May: International Organ Festival
July-August (variable): International Music Festival
September 15th and 16th: Motherland Festivities
September30th: Birthday of "Don Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon"
September (variable): Festival of the "Mariachi"
December: Festivity of the Immaculate Conception
December 12th: Festivities of the "Guadalupana"
Altitude
above sea level: 1951 meters
Temperature:
14oC minimum and 18oC maximum variable to 38oC
Handicrafts:
Pottery, basketry, crockery sets and earthenware utilitarian
pottery of high and low temperature, jewel boxes, lacquered
trays, "maque", iron works, pieces of work of pink
stone in architecture and sculpture, table linen made of open
work and of crochet, and embroidered blouses.
Gastronomy:
"Enchiladas" (tortillas covered with chile prepared
with cheese) and "capirotada" (a dessert prepared
with bread covered with brown sugar syrup), "ates"
(candy made of fruit syrup), "laminillas" (flat sheets
of ate), "cicadas" (candy made of coconut), jellies
and chocolate made from sugar and natural fruits.
Tourist
Attractions of the City of Morelia:
1.-Temple
of our Lady of Mercy
The construction of this baroque church with Plateresque and
Churrigueresque features for the Order of our Lady of Mercy
began in 1604. The monastery was subsequently converted into
a school with only the church being used for worship.
2.-Market
of Sweets and Handicrafts
It's located on the west side of what was once the College of
the Jesuits, where you can find all kinds of regional candy,
as well as beautiful handicrafts.
3.-Public
Library
17th century baroque construction, it was originally the Temple
of the Company of Jesus. Over the years it had multiple uses
until the Public Library of the University of "San Nicolas
de Hidalgo" was installed there in 1930
4.-"Clavijero"
Palace
Majestic baroque construction built in the 17th century. Originally
it housed the College of the Jesuit Francis Xavier Clavijero
until 1767. It subsequently was the reformatory for priests
and in 1824 became the headquarters of the Congress of Michoacan.
It is one of the most important architectonical monuments of
the city.
5.-College
of "San Nicolas de Hidalgo"
Neo-classic building which during the period when the city was
still known as Valladolid housed the College of "San Nicolas",
which was founded by Vasco de Quiroga in Patzcuaro in the 16th
century. Miguel Hidalgo was dean of this college and Jose Maria
Morelos y Pavon one of its most outstanding pupils. The Melchor
Ocampo Conference Hall is located on its second floor and can
be visited from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
6.-7.-Temple
and Conservatory of Music of the Roses
Both, the baroque Temple of St. Rose and the annex that was
once the site of the College of St. Mary, were built in the
18th century. From 1738 and up to its closure in the 19th century,
it was a girl's school. Since the late 1940's it has housed
the School of Music and it is also the site of the internationally
famous Boy's Choir of Morelia.
8.-State
Museum
An 18th century mansion which was restored in 1986 to install
the State Museum, it is divided in three sections: Archaeology,
History, and Ethnology. It contains an antique pharmacy which
dates from 1868. The museum can be visited from Monday to Friday
from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 20:00 p.m.,
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
9.-University
Cultural Center
It is a contemporary building built for the diffusion of Art
and Culture. The visiting schedules are from Monday to Saturday
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
10.-House
of "Mariano Michelena" (No. 5 High School)
Neo-classic construction initiated in 1690, and where Hidalgo
lodged in 1810. It first belonged to Canon Belauzaran and then
from 1826 it belonged to Mariano Michelena.
11.-Municipal
Palace
This baroque construction, built in the late 18th century, contained
the state tobacco factory that supervised the control and sale
of tobacco. In 1859 it was remodeled to house the Municipal
Palace. Its octagonal patio stands out as an authentic architectural
jewel.
12.-Regional
Museum of Michoacan
Baroque construction purchased in 1772 by Isidro Huarte, who
remodeled it to make it into a particular and business residence.
Later the house became property of Doña Francisca Roman,
who was a lady of honor of the Empress Carlota, reason why in
1864 Maximiliano of Habsburgo was housed in this mansion when
he visited Morelia. At present day it houses the Regional Museum
of Michoacan, which was founded by Dr. Nicolas Leon, and is
one of the oldest museums of Mexico. According to Diego Rivera,
the muralist, the painting "El Traslado de las Monjas"
(1738) represents the main treasure of the museum because of
its role in the manner of its historical, sociological, and
ethnographical testimony. The museum can be visited from Tuesday
to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 9:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
13.-Palace
of Justice
Beautiful Frenchified building that has Pre-Hispanic influenced
ornamental elements on the second floor. The Eclectic interior
was built between 1884 and 1885 to house the state legal branch.
14.-Former
Public Granary
Baroque building built in 1774, functioned as the wheat storeroom
of the city. It was remodeled to extend the state penitentiary
in 1847. At present time it constitutes an extension of the
Palace of Justice, housing the Civil Court of the Capital.
15.-Temple
of the Augustinians
Building where the Virgin of Aid, a present from St. Thomas,
is venerated, built in the 16th century with a late Plateresque
façade and a gothic influenced cloister of an astonishing
dignity, the tower was built in the early 17th century.
16.-Birth
House of Morelos
The original house where Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon was born
on September30, 1765 was demolished in 1888 and is only known
through an antique lithography. The actual building was built
in the late 19th century. It was remodeled and fitted for cultural
use in 1964. The visiting schedule is from Monday to Sunday
from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
17.-Cathedral
Imposing baroque building of pink stone built between 1660 and
1744. Its interior is decorated with Doric features and Neo-classic
altarpieces. Among the treasures kept here there is a silver
baroque Monstrance and a silver Neo-classic Christening font
both from the 18th century, a monumental early 20th century
organ with 4600 pipes, and the Lord of the Sacristy, image made
in the 16th century using the technique of maize stalk paste.
18.-Square
of Arms or Square of the Martyrs
Beautiful square built by Spaniards between 1541 and 1546 that
served as the starting point for the development of the city
of Valladolid. It is the oldest center of recreation.
19.-Sanctuary
of the Sacred Heart
Baroque building built in 1756 as a reformatory, where Mariano
Matamoros and Jose Guadalupe Salto, Independence heroes, were
imprisoned.
20.-Ex-Bishopric
Baroque building built in the 17th century by the order of Bishop
Jose Escalona and Calatayud as the Bishopric house. At the present
moment it houses the offices of the Secretary of Health.
21.-Museum
of Colonial Art
Small but notable museum located in an 18th century house which
still conserves its original baroque style. The first printing
house of the city was established here in 1821. At present time
this museum exhibits pieces of work from the viceroyalty, and
cane paste crucifixes from the period of the evangelization.
The museum can be visited from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m.
to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
22.-23.-Temple
and Ex Convent of our Lady of Carmen
Baroque building whose construction began in 1593 and continued
throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The sacristy
conserves valuable paintings. The former convent was restored
between 1974 and 1979 and at present moment houses the "Casa
de la Cultura" (Culture House) of Morelia, housing artistic
work shops, exposition halls, auditoriums and the Museum of
the Mask. This museum opens to the public from Monday to Friday
from 10:00a.m.to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays
and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m.
24.-Government
Palace
Baroque building whose construction began in 1760 and was finished
in 1770. This building was originally the Tridentine Seminary
of Valladolid. It houses the state executive branch since 1867,
it poses three murals of the muralist born in Michoacan Alfredo
Zalce, who recorded several scenes from Mexican history.
25.-Former
House of Gabriel Garcia Obeso (Today Bancomer Bank)
Building built in the second half of the 18th century of Neo-classic
façade and baroque interior, where the first meetings
of the conspirators, who were looking for the independence of
the country, were held.
26.-Former
House of the Tithe (Today Banamex Bank)
Baroque building that was built by the Bishopric in 1750 used
as office and storehouse of the tithe that was contributed by
the church members. Later it was sold and used as an inn, subsequently
it was used as a hotel. At present time it is used as a bank.
27.-Former
House of Intendant Jose Ma.. Anzorena
Frenchified building that was acquired in the late 18th century
by the Intendant Jose Ma. Anzorena, who signed the first decree
for Slave Abolition in 1810. It was restored in 1897, housing
the legislative branch offices since 1922.
28.-Former
Hospital of the "Juaninos" (Today Bital Bank)
Great Baroque, Eclectic and Neo-classic building built in 1685
as the Episcopal Home. In the early 18th century it housed the
"San Juan de Dios" Hospital.
29.-Museum
House of Morelos
Beautiful and sober baroque residence built in 1758, acquired
by Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon in 1801. At present time it's
a museum, where the life of the pre-insurgent is related through
paintings, photographs, furniture, objects of the period and
duplicates of documents. It also holds the Archbishop file of
Michoacan. The schedule of visits is from Monday to Sunday from
9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
30.-House
of Count "Sierra Gorda"
Building built in the late 18th century, decorated with Neo-classic
interiors and a Frenchified façade. At present time it
houses the offices of the Secretary of Education.
31.-Temple
of the Cross
It was built by Father Nicolas de la Serna between 1680 and
1690. The construction is of an extreme simplicity and its façade
was over placed in 1970.
32.-Church
and Convent of St. Francis (House of the Handicrafts)
Plateresque building built in 1531 by the Franciscans. It housed
the first monastery established in Valladolid. At present time
it houses the House of the Handicrafts of Michoacan, where collections
of all the types of craftwork produced in the state are exhibited.
It can be visited from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
33.-Church
of "Capuchinas"
Baroque building that was started in 1680 and finished in 11737.
It was built to house the Indian maiden daughters of the "caciques"
and the "Capuchina" nuns. A fire consumed the main
altar and at present time three baroque altar-pieces are conserved.
34.-Temple
of the Nuns
Baroque church built between 1729 and 1737, dedicated to St.
Catherine de Siena. It was commonly known as "de las Monjas"
(of the Nuns) since it belonged to the Nuns of the Order of
St Catherine.
35.-Temple
of St. Joseph
In the fourth decade of the 18th century Bishop Calatayud ordered
a chapel to be built. Later it was replaced by order of Bishop
Sanchez de Tagle, who began the construction of the church in
1760. It is a superb baroque building. The two turrets and the
top of the clock were added in 1945.
36.-New
Tridentine Seminary (Today "Pascual Ortiz Rubio" High
School)
Neo-classic construction built in the mid 19th century for a
new seminary. At present time it houses the "Pascual Ortiz
Rubio" High School.
37.-Federal
Palace
Eclectic, Frenchified, building built in the 18th century, which
was originally a convent for nuns of the Order of St. Catherine.
Subsequently, it housed the Theresian College of St. Mary of
Guadalupe in the 19th century. Since 1935 it is the site of
Federal Government Offices.
38.-Villalongin
Square
Beautiful garden that reminds us of the tranquil life of previous
periods, it owes its name to the insurgent "Manuel Villalongin",
who rescued his wife from the Spanish prison "Las Animas"
that was located then in this garden.
39.-The
"Tarascas"
A fountain located on one side of Villalongin Square, that represents
three indigenous women who are holding up a typical tray covered
fruits from the region. Throughout the course of time it has
become one of the representative monuments of the city.
40.-Aqueduct
Baroque construction consisting of 253 arcs, which was built
by Bishop Fr. Anthony of St Michael in 1785 to provide the city
with drinking water and to give employment to the indigenous.
41.-Roadway
of Fraire Anthony of St Michael
Roadway first built by Bishop "Juan Jose Escalona y Caltayud"
in 1732 and later restored by Fraire Anthony of St. Michael,
whose name it carries, where you can admire the 18th and 19th
century summer houses.
42.-Museum
of Contemporary Art "Alfredo Zalce"
This 19th century mansion presents a notable French influence
with two levels, surrounded by gardens, it is located in the
"Cuauhtemoc" Park, on Aqueduct Avenue. At present
time it houses the Museum of Contemporary Art. It can be visited
from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from
4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
43.-"Cuauhtemoc"
Park
The Museums of Natural History and Contemporary Art are located
in the former St Peter's Park, traditional recreation center
of the city, on one side of the Aqueduct Avenue.
44.-Museum
of Natural History "Dr. Manuel Martinez Solorzano"
It owes its name to the Naturalist, doctor, and wise man Manuel
Martinez Solorzano, who was born in Morelia. The museum can
be visited from Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
45.-Equestrian
Statue of the patriot Morelos
The Italian sculptor Jose Inghilliere created this monument,
which represents freedom and the Motherland, dedicated to honor
Jose Ma. Morelos.
46.-47.-Sanctuary
of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Ex Convent of "San Diego"
Baroque construction that was started in 1708 and was finished
in 1716, subsequently, the Monastery of the Order of "San
Diego" was built there and it currently houses the Law
School of the University of Michoacan. The church interior was
decorated by Joaquin Orta in 1915.
48.-"Benito
Juarez" Zoo
It is the most important zoo of the country in the matter of
variety of species (440) and number of specimen (3,800). It
has the largest bird collection in Latin America; also its primate
collection stands out with 23 different species and its feline
collection with 10, of which 6 inhabit the region. The visiting
schedule is from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
49.-Planetarium
The construction possesses a 20 meter diameter hemispherical
dome in the interior, which works as a screen for 164 projectors
that produce swiftly the astral movements, allowing to observe
the Milky Way, 17 multitudes of stars and the main sky circles.
The Planetarium offers functions Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00
p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m.
50.-Museum
of Geology and Mineralogy "Dr. Jenaro Gonzalez Reyna"
It is located on the University Campus, its contents is a representative
sample of minerals and rocks of different regions of the country
and some from abroad. The museum can be visited from Monday
to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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