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53 kilometers from Morelia

In the pre-Hispanic period, it was an important ceremonial center of the Purepechas. On his arrival Don Vasco de Quiroga transferred the bishopric from Tzintzuntzan to Patzcuaro, converting it into the capital of Michoacan (1539-1580). It is one of the typical most beautiful towns of America. Its magnificent constructions of adobe and tile, monumental temples, and the spectacular Vasco de Quiroga Square converts it into one of the main tourist centers of the Mexican Republic.

The outskirts of the Patzcuaro Lake and its Islands are found inhabited by the indigenous community that conserves great part of its costumes and traditions. Its fishermen are worldwide known, due to the butterfly-form nets, that they use to fish the delicious white fish which is in extinction at the present time.

Festivities:
Holy Week, Night of the Dead, Festivity of the Virgin of La Salud

Altitude above sea level: 2,140 meters

Temperature: Maximum 23°C Minimum 9°C

Folklore: Dance of the Little Old Men and Dance of the Fish

Handcrafts: Lacquer, Figures of corn cane, Looms of cotton cloth, Furniture

Gastronomy: "Tarasca" Soup, White Fish, Enchiladas, and Corundas

Services:
Hotels, B&B, Restaurants (Economical, Tourist, First , and Luxury)
Cabins for Rent on the Island of Yunuen

We recommend you to visit:
Vasco de Quiroga Square
Museum of Popular Arts
The Sanctuary (church)
The Company, Jesuit Ex-Convent
The Basilica
Gertrudis Bocanegra's Square
Public Library
Market
The Sanctuary
The "Hospitalito"
San Francisco (church)
San Francisco Plazuela
San Juan de Dios (church)
The House of the Eleven Patios
Palace of Huitzimengari
Tupararo: beautiful chapel of the XVI century located 12 kilometers from Patzcuaro
Cuanajo: Handcraft center (Wood furniture and textiles) located 15 kilometers from Patzcuaro

 

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Tourist Attractions of the city of Patzcuaro:

1.- Basilica of our Lady of La Salud
It is the most important temple of Patzcuaro, whose peculiarity is that it is not located in the central part of the city, very close to the headquarters of the civil power, as compared to the majority of the cities populated in the first centuries of Colonial time.. It was built by order of the first bishop of Michoacan, Don Vasco de Quiroga, on top of a pre-Hispanic ceremonial center, which meant a transformation, functioning as cathedral church until 1580 when it was decided that Valladolid (in Morelia) would carry out this labor. It was designated Basilica since 1924 and the building that today can be admired is the result of various reconstructions. Its facade is simple with few ornamental elements. The figure of the Virgin of La Salud, patron of the region, is found in its interior. It is a beautiful image molded in corn cane paste that dates from the XVI century, to whom a lot of pilgrims come to offer their devotion begging for the health of the sick. The remains of Don Vasco de Quiroga rest in that place.

2.- Museum of Arts and Popular Industries
In the XVI century it functioned as the headquarters to San Nicolas College, founded by Don Vasco de Quiroga with the object to prepare young Spaniards that wanted to be ordained as priests, as well as to teach Indians a trade, reading and writing.. That museum is the first of its kind in the Mexican Republic. It has, among other things, one of the best collections of lacquers, maque, and peribanas, true handcraft jewels, and the incredible floor of animal bone and flat stone.

3.-Temple and College of the Company of Jesus
This building sheltered the religious who integrated the Company of Jesus, who arrived to the Diocese of Michoacan thanks to the efforts of Vasco de Quiroga who was up to date of their prestige in the field of education. The construction dates from the XVII century, the college is a building that has a beautiful patio and wide spaces that give a sensation of tranquility. As for the church, there is a clock in the tower, of which the legend says that it was exiled from Spain due to have marked an unfortunate hour to someone in the monarchy of that country. At the present time it is the House of Culture.

4.- The "Sagrario" (Sanctuary)
The edification of the "Sagrario" started in 1693, and it came to its end exactly two centuries later, years during which several decorative elements were added and which up to this present time can be appreciated. That building gave shelter to the sanctuary of our Lady of La Salud until 1924.

5.- House of the Eleven Patios
(Ex-Convent of the Dominican Nuns of Santa Catarina)
It is a building of 1742, where the Dominican Nuns were established in the middle of the XVIII century. The whole of the colonial buildings that integrate it gave origin to its name, a great variety of regional handicrafts are exhibited and sold there. The place results particularly interesting since you can observe at the cotton cloth and lacquers workshops the mastery with which the craftsmen make use of their imagination.

6.- Vasco de Quiroga Square
Side by side, the grand square is found surrounded by buildings of the colonial period, it is considered one of the most beautiful squares of America. Its dimension, the majestic big houses built around it, and the absence of religious buildings make it different from the rest.

7.- Palace of Huitzimengari
This residence is found in the main square. It belonged to the prince Antonio de Huitzimengari, son of the last Purepecha governor or Cazonci and godson of the first viceroy of the New Spain, Don Antonio de Mendoza. Even if it has a solemn facade, in the interior, a great patio full of flowers and surrounded by arcs is found, the indigenous craftsmen exhibit their products at present time there.

8.- The "Torito" Fountain
It is one of the typical fountains of Patzcuaro that possesses its own popular legend, transmitted from generation to generation. It is said that a horseman crashed into this fountain, because a bull ran across in front of him, due to this, city authorities accused the fountain of the homicide and after a long judgment it was condemned to be moved from that place.

9.- Gertrudis Bocanegra's Square
Previously St. Agustin Square, it is the second most important square in Patzcuaro, it is also known as Plaza Chica. It is very visited due to the closeness of the handcrafts and typical food market. In its center a bronze sculpture of Doña Gertrudis Bocanegra, a heroine of the independence period, who was born in Patzcuaro, was erected.

10.- Ex-Convent of St. Agustin
It is a building built in 1576, it still conserves the temple which at present time is used as a public library. There, the famous mural of Juan O'Gorman, that shows key elements in the history of Michoacan such as indigenous, conquerors, friars, and the figure of Don Vasco de Quiroga, who tried to carry out the ideas of the "Utopia" of Tomas Moro in the town-hospitals, is exhibited. To one side of the ex-convent the "Caltzonzin Theatre" was built on top of the vestiges of the monastery.

11.- Sanctuary of Guadalupe
It is a temple of neo-classic lineaments, built at the beginnings of the XIX century. The most outstanding aspect of the building is 4 sculptures of the 7 it possessed, representing the seven virtues. They are placed on pedestals on the facade of the tower and they represent: Charity, Temperance, Fortitude, and Faith.

12.- The "Hospitalito"
According to tradition, this was the oldest temple of Patzcuaro, since the Franciscans founded hospitals before having a convent. The XVI century facade is renaissance style and has some alter of the XIX century. An excellent frontal of gilt carved wood is admired on the main alter.

13.- Temple of San Francisco
A temple of eclectic appearance. A crucifix made of corn cane paste elaborated in the XVI century and an oil painting, that represents the two most important figures for that religious order: the Pope and St. Francis of Asis are conserved in its interior. The access door to the cloister is one of the most beautiful renaissance pieces of work that exist in the city.

14.- Plazuela of San Francisco
It is a peaceful, beautiful square with a fountain of rounded curb in the center and on the occidental part a bust of Doña Margarita Maza de Juarez, who was the wife of the Meritorious of the Americas. The portal of Salazar is located on one of its sides. For those who like to look around, it is recommendable to give a stroll to the attractive "tianguis" of pottery that takes place on Friday mornings.

15.- Temple and Hospital of San Juan de Dios
It was founded in the middle of the XVII century and repaired to the neoclassic style in 1841. At the present time, this temple presents vaults and a pending dome. The facade of the Hospital, the most outstanding, is of simple baroque style. The paintings that existed in the sacristy of the temple of San Agustin have been transferred to this temple.

16.- Pila de San Miguel
This piece of work evocates the image of an archangel as a protector, since it is said that many years ago the women, who used to come to this fountain were observed by the devil and in order to scare him away Don Vasco de Quiroga ordered the figure of San Miguel to be placed there, although it is assured that it has been changed frequently due to the deterioration caused by the inclemency of time.

17.- The "Humilladero"
It is also known as the Chapel of Christ. In 1553 Don Vasco de Quiroga disposed that the figure of a Christ crucified forming the cross and the body be sculptured from one whole piece of quarry. The origin of the name "humilladero" comes due to the exposition of such cross before the veneration of the travelers thatentered and left the city. The access to this antique chapel is through a beautiful roadway bordered of luxuriant trees.

18.- The Calvary
It is a chapel built by Fray Marcos Ramirez del Prado in 1666. It was built on the place where a "yacata" laid which contained the rests of the Emperor Tariacuri.