Morelia, Michoacan

Founded at the beginning of the XVI century with the name of Valladolid and renamed in 1828 after the Independence hero Morelos, Morelia is a beautiful colonial city with an impressive architecture.

The downtown area is symbolized, as most cities in Mexico, by its impressive cathedral. Morelia's Cathedral was built with pink quarry. However, the city offers many interesting things to see and to do.

The Square of Arms is Morelia's main square and it is flanked by several buildings, shops, and open air restaurants. The Old House of the Tithe was built in 1750 and it was intended to collect the taxes of that time. Later it functioned as an hotel and today it houses a branch of a major bank.

The House of Garcia Obeso is from the end of the XVIII century and after renewal works its interior details and style have been kept. The San Juan de Dios Old Hospital is from the XVII century and today it houses a nice hotel. The Public Library was finished in the XVII century and its collection includes old and modern religious texts.

Perhaps, one of the most distinguishable constructions is the Aqueduct, finished in 1785. It features 253 arches and can be appreciated along Madero Avenue.

In addition, Morelia features several temples that reflect the architecture of the colonial period. Example of them are the Temple of the Nuns that was built at the beginning of the XVIII century; the Temple of the Cross that goes back to the XVII; the Temple of the "Agustinos" is from the XVI century and presents Gothic influence; and the Sanctuary of Guadalupe, built during the first years of the XVIII century that today houses the School of Law of the state University, among many other impressive buildings.

Morelia features a vast culture that is reflected in numerous museums that the city offers. One of them is the Mask Museum within the Morelia Cultural Institute. Another example is the Museum and House of Morelos which exhibits historic documents and artifacts. The Museum of Colonial Art is in the house where the first press in the city functioned in 1821. The Museum of Contemporary Art is located in the Cuauhtemoc woods.

Other museums include the Geology and Mineralogy Museum, the State Museum, the Regional Michoacan Museum, and the Museum of Natural History.

When visiting Morelia, tourists should not miss to visit the Planetarium which features 164 projectors to reproduce the movement of the stars. Another option is the Benito Juarez Zoo with one of the largest collection of animal species in Mexico.

Finally, everyone should visit the Candy and Handicrafts Market where it is possible to taste the famous sweet called "morelianas" as well as other delicious sweetness.