Travel Guide MORELIA Contents

DISCOVER MORELIA 01

MORELIA PROFILE 03

MORELIA ATTRACTIONS 04

MORELIA DINING 09

MORELIA SHOPPING 11

MORELIA NIGHTLIFE 12

THINGS TO DO IN MORELIA 13 DISCOVER MORELIA

WELCOME TO MORELIA Morelia is the capital of Michoacan, a state known as “The Soul of ”. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this colonial city has quiet streets that offer plenty of history, beauty and culture.

The city has preserved the grandeur and elegance of its historic center along with the simple that the area is famous for, although Morelia is also home to modern districts where you’ll find shopping malls, golf courses and hotels that surround the downtown area. This appealing vacation destination is popular thanks to its pleasant climate, exquisite cuisine and warm hospitality. WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Morelia’s historic center is known for its colonial buildings, which stand as reminders of the viceroyalty era. Constructed between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, the historic center was made from pink quarry stone and features hundreds of attractive buildings, beautiful houses, and streets that have retained their original design. Over time, many of these structures have become cultural centers, restaurants and hotels while still paying tribute to their original architectural styles.

1 A BRIEF HISTORY

Approximately six thousand years ago the area was inhabited by various civilizations, including the predominant Purepecha tribe, who were also known as the Tarascan.

Morelia has had three names since its original inception. In ancient times it was known as Guayangareo until in 1541 it became the city of by the order of the Viceroy . During this time, the city absorbed the town of the Franciscan friars and the territories of the indigenous people living in the region. In 1828, the name of Valladolid was replaced by Morelia in honor of the leader Don Jose Maria y Pavon, a National Hero and illustrious son of the city.

2 MORELIA PROFILE

A colonial city that offers plenty of cultural activities

The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The city has a great historical significance for the country’s struggle for independence

Lots of great selection of museums, theaters and art venues

The ideal starting point for visiting enchanting towns in Michoacan, like Patzcuaro and Janitzio

Offers extraordinary cuisine created by combining indigenous and colonial influences

Home to a variety of hotels that suit all budgets and tastes

3 MORELIA ATTRACTIONS

AQUEDUCT

Originally built in 1785, the provided water to the fountains and convents of the downtown area. Featuring more than 250 arches, it was constructed in a beautiful baroque style that has become a symbol of the city. Most of the masonry work dates back to the eighteenth century.

THE HISTORIC CENTER

With its well-preserved elegance and grandeur, the historic center of Morelia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the colonial buildings date from the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, including a number of churches and old buildings with large courtyards, arches and fountains. The distinctive color of the pink stone buildings has given Morelia its nickname of the “Pink City”. As you walk through the historic center, you’ll explore a large open-air museum where the exhibits are the buildings themselves.

4 PUBLIC LIBRARY

First opened in 1930, the San Nicolas de Public Library of the Michoacan University is located within a structure that once housed the temple of the . This baroque building dates back to the seventeenth century and is one of the more notable Morelia attractions included on the city tours. MORELIA CONVENTION CENTER

With gardens, parking lots, a planetarium, library, hotel, theater, event facilities and an exhibit area, the Morelia Convention Center is one of the most comprehensive convention centers in Mexico. TRAM TOURS

The trams and buses of Morelia can take you on fantastic excursions throughout the city. Usually departing from the historic center, these tours travel to some of the most important local monuments and buildings, allowing you to learn about Morelia’s fascinating history. One of the trams completes its journey at the Museo del Dulce (Candy Museum), where visitors can see how traditional local sweets are created and you’ll even have the chance to purchase some.

Passengers can also ride on open-air double-decker buses, providing visitors with a gentle breeze and the chance to enjoy spectacular views of Morelia’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5 TRES MARIAS GOLF CLUB

The only LPGA category golf course in Morelia, Tres Marias was designed by Jack Nicklaus. This signature course is made up of 27 holes distributed along a hillside that overlooks the city. Located in the most exclusive area of Morelia, the Tres Marias Golf Club offers luxurious facilities, a spectacular clubhouse, and is the highlight of the state.

Elegant restaurants, bars, lounges, game rooms, sports courts, pools, polo fields, an equestrian club, a gymnasium and a spa all complement the main attraction at the Tres Marias Golf Club. While entrance is limited to club members and their guests, Tres Marias has agreements with many local hotels, providing visitors to Morelia with the opportunity to enjoy a challenging round of golf.

FELIPE RIVERA PLANETARIUM

Capable of holding up to 365 people, the planetarium has a hemispherical dome that is 65 feet in diameter. The dome resembles the nucleus of a comet with an eight-pointed star in the center and operates internally as a screen for 164 projectors that recreate the movements of the stars and planets relative to Earth.

6 CITY HALL

The current city hall was originally a store which was responsible for the sale and control of tobacco. After Mexico achieved its independence, the Federal Government installed its offices here in 1859. Its octagonal courtyard is a beautiful example of local architecture. GOVERNMENT PALACE

Originally the Tridentine Seminary of Valladolid, this building was completed in 1770. Today it is the seat of the executive branch of the government, a function it has served since 1867. Within the building you’ll find local architectural styles and three murals created by , a Michoacan artist. These murals display various events from Mexico’s past.

THE CATHEDRAL

The is a pink stone colossus that towers nearly 230 feet in the air. It has a triple façade, altarpieces, and three interior patios adorned with beautiful murals. Constructed between 1660 and 1744, the cathedral has a massive twentieth century organ with 4,600 pipes. It also houses valuable paintings and a sixteenth century image known as the Lord of the Vestry.

7 SANCTUARY OF

At the edge of the historic center on the eastern side of the city, you’ll find the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, considered one of the five most beautiful temples in the country. The sanctuary is connected to a square that is across from the Calzada de San Diego, a 985 foot cobbled street that leads to a church and is surrounded by beautiful homes and lush vegetation.

Although the facade showcases a simple baroque style, the impressive temple interiors feature splendid ornamentation that combines indigenous clay work with European plaster designs. The result is a majestic and unique display of leaves and floral details on the walls, vaults and domes as well as a memorable mix of red, pink and gold tones.

LAS TARASCAS FOUNTAIN

Las Tarascas fountain is located in Morelia’s historic center and is a symbol of Michoacan’s fertile lands. One of the three main attractions showcased on local postcards, the fountain shows three indigenous women holding a tray heaped with locally produced fruit.

8 MORELIA DINING

Preserving the traditions inherited from the Tarascan (the indigenous people of the region) and blending it with Spanish customs, Morelia offers a variety of cuisine. After the arrival of the conquistadors, the colonial period saw the addition of ingredients like almonds and the use of pork and beef, creating a unique selection of dishes.

Among the specialties that have become so famous is the traditional white fish of Patzcuaro, an exquisite dish that almost melts in your mouth. You’ll also want to try “uchepos”, small corn tamales filled with beans and sprinkled with cheese. Known as “palace rolls” during colonial times, “corundas” are triangle-shaped tamales wrapped in corn husks and filled with beef and vegetables. A famous local drink is “charanda”, a type of rum that can be enjoyed alone or mixed in a drink. For dessert lovers, Morelia offers its famous ice cream and traditional sweets like coconut candies, quince cheese, peanut brittle, mueganos (crispy pastries), jamoncillo (a milk and sugar candy), coffee liqueur and dulce de leche, which is sweetened milk served with cinnamon.

SAN MIGUELITO

Combining art, signature cuisine and an unparalleled atmosphere, San Miguelito offers an extraordinary dining experience. Its innovative concept blends the elements of a restaurant and bar with those of galleries and museums. There are various sections with unique themes, although the most outstanding for its decor and originality is “Rincon de las Solteronas” (Maiden’s Corner), which has made San Miguelito famous.

This area houses hundreds of images of Saint Anthony, displaying works of all shapes and sizes that were created by artists from around the world. According to popular tradition, those who pray to an inverted figure of Saint Anthony will experience the miracle of finding a romantic partner. If you visit the “Maiden’s Corner” you’ll see thousands of requests that have been preserved and protected in large books. You may even want to add a prayer of your own.

9 EL MAGO

More than just a restaurant, El Mago is a tradition in Morelia. This small establishment was founded by a local football fan known as “El Mago” (The Wizard) and specializes in tortas (a kind of sandwich) and natural juices. The restaurant serves the greatest tortas in the city, both in regards to size and flavor. El Mago also offers a comfortable family atmosphere and has several restaurants located throughout the city. This charming dining venue is decorated in a style that is reminiscent of a colorful fruit market and displays pounds of fruit that are artfully arranged. During your meal, you can check out the numerous photos “El Mago” had taken with famous football players.

Along with the smell of fresh fruit, you can enjoy a juice made from fruit that you have personally selected. The warm family atmosphere of El Mago makes it one of the most popular restaurants in Morelia.

10 MORELIA SHOPPING

Morelia offers an enormous variety of handicrafts to admire and purchase, including jewelry, pottery, hammered copper, wood carvings, furniture, masks, woven fabrics, toys and Paracho guitars, all produced in the state of Michoacan. You’ll also find an endless selection of local candies to choose from. The city has everything from traditional markets to art galleries and boutiques that display the fine works created by local craftsmen.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to find the perfect souvenir of this beautiful city and learn about the pre-Hispanic techniques used to create local handicrafts. CANDY AND HANDICRAFTS MARKET

This picturesque market sells beautiful handmade pieces created by the indigenous communities of Michoacan. You’ll also find traditional toys, musical instruments, clothing, hammocks, leather goods, paintings and a variety of other fine souvenirs.

Enjoy the timeless atmosphere of a Mexican market while you shop for traditional Morelia sweets. In more than 200 shops, you’ll find all kinds of treats that are made throughout the state, such as coconut candies, quince cheese, peanut brittle, mueganos (crispy pastries), jamoncillo (a milk and sugar sweet), coffee liqueur, and dulce de leche (sweetened milk) with cinnamon. A visit to the Candy Market is the best way to discover unique craftsmanship that you can eat.

11 MORELIA NIGHTLIFE

When night falls, Morelia offers entertainment and fun for all. Walk through the streets of the historic center or visit the local clubs, bars and cafes. Whether you prefer to enjoy a quiet coffee with friends, a refreshing drink at a bar or an exciting night out at a dance club, you’re sure to have fun and memorable evening.

CATHEDRAL LIGHT SHOW

The sound and light show at the Morelia Cathedral takes place each Saturday night in the historic center. This traditional spectacle attracts locals and visitors alike, who gather to enjoy the fireworks that gradually illuminate the Cathedral as Gregorian chants create a mystical atmosphere.

You can enjoy this show from many places within the historic center, including the commercial area of Los Portales and the terraces of nearby hotels. At the show’s conclusion the cathedral is fully illuminated in an artistic light display, giving you the perfect opportunity to admire its impressive architectural glory.

LEGENDS TOURS

The Legends Tours are nightly excursions that take you for a walk through Morelia’s historic center. Usually offered at the local hotels, these guided tours travel along the downtown streets as you listen to extraordinary tales of the past. These tours have become a local tradition and are considered an important part of the city’s cultural identity.

12 THINGS TO DO IN MORELIA

Visit buildings in the historic center, including the Cathedral, City Hall and the Public Library.

Attend the Cathedral light show on Saturday night to enjoy music and fireworks.

Take a guided tour of the city or enjoy a tram ride.

Travel to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is considered one of the most beautiful temples in the country.

Try local specialties like “uchepos” (corn tamales), “corundas” (tamales filled with beef and vegetables) or tarasca soup.

Purchase delicious traditional desserts at the Candy Market or the Candy Museum.

Admire the beautifully decorated city at the beginning of November, when Noche de Muertos (Night of the Dead) is celebrated.

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