Colonial Architecture of Morelia

Morelia's historical center is a dream-come-true for lovers of colonial architecture, with its myriads of elaborately decorated and stunning buildings an structures.

Aqueduct - Its 253 baroque arches were constructed in 1785 to provide drinking water to Morelia.
Antigua Alhóndiga - Built 1774 as a city granery, today the Alhondiga houses the Civil Courts
Antigua Casa de Gabriel García Obeso - Constructed in the late 18th C with neoclassic exterior and baroque interiors. Now occupied by Bancomer.
Antigua Casa del Diezmo - House of the Tithe - This baroque building was built in 1750 to serve as the offices and storeroom for the tithe. Today it houses Banamex.
Antiguo Hospital de los Juaninos - This elaborate building, constructed in 1865 as the Episcopal House, was used at the beginning of the 18th C. as a hospital. Today it is owned by Bital Bank.
Casa Natal de Morelos - birthplace of Morelos - lovely baroque style house constructed at the end of the 19th C. on the site of the house in which José María Morelos y Pavón was born. The house was remodelled in 1964.
Cathedral - Morelia's stately, rose-colored Cathedral was constructed between 1660 and 1744 and sits as it's centerpiece, right off the city's main plaza.

Colegio de San Nicolas de Hidalgo - Neoclassical construction of the 16th C.

Courthouse - decorative structure with an elaborate, frenchified facade.
Federal Palace - constructed in the 18th C. as a convent, it has been home to the offices of the Federal Government since 1935.
Government Palace - built between 1760 and 1770. Since 1867 has served as the headquarters of the executive branch of the State. Holds murals depicting highlights of the history of Mexico, painted by Michoacan artist, Alfredo Zalce.
Iglesia de Capuchina - Baroque styled Capuchin church built between 1680 and 1737 to shelter the daughters of the regional tribal chiefs.
Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco (The House of Crafts) - Construction was begun by the Franciscans in 1531 on this, the first convent of Valladolid. It now houses the Michoacan House of Crafts. Open daily 9 am to 3 pm and 5:30 to 8 pm.
Municipal Palace - built at the end of the 18th century as for the tobacco industry with an octagonal courtyard, this baroque building has been the Municipal Palace, or town hall, since 1859.
Palacio Clavijero - This Baroque-style building dating from the middle of the 17th C. has housed the Michoacan Congress since 1824 and is one of the cities most important monuments.
Public Library - Baroque style construction of the 17th C. originally the Temple of the Company of Jesus. Converted to a Public Library in the 30's.
Santuario de Guadalupe and Ex Convent of San Diego - constructed in the early 1700's, it now houses the Faculty of Law of the University of Michoacan.
Templo de la Cruz - Simple structure erected between 1680 and 1690.
Templo de las Monjas - baroque-style building from the years 1729 to 1737.
Templo de los Agustinos - 16th C. building with Gothic influence
Templo y Conservatorio de Musica de las Rosas - The building which has housed the Conservatory of Music since the 40's, as well as the Morelia Children's Choir, dates from the 18th

Morelia Overview