Morelia, Capital of Michoacan

Morelia - founded under the name of Valladolid by Mexico's first Viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza, in the early 1500's and renamed in 1828 - is the capital of the state of Michoacan. It is located at 1,950 meters above sea level in a central highland valley between the large centers of Guadalajara and Mexico City, each accessible by super highway at a driving distance of about 6 hours in either direction.

Morelia is a beautiful colonial city in the highlands of Michoacan. The quaint air of it's city center with it's fabulous architecture, stone arches over series of outdoor restaurants and bars that overlook the town square, the cathedral, parks and old world atmosphere and culture, make for a wonderfully enjoyable yet restful stay.

The streets of the downtown area are highly walkable with many instances of rich colonial architecture on all sides, so take along a good, sturdy pair of walking shoes.

Colonial Mexico 2 Ed: A Guide to Historic Districts and Towns

Things to do and see in Morelia

• Plaza de Armas o de los Mártires - Morelia's main square and heartbeat of the city was planned out between 1541 y 1546 by the Spanish. It's tree-shaded benches and walkways are surrounded by colonial buildings and arched galleries that are home to numerous restaurants, shops and news stands.
• Bosque Cuauhtémoc - South of the Aqueduct is a wooded recreational park known as the Bosque Cuauhtemoc, or Cuauhtemoc Forest, wherein are located the Museums of Natural History and Contemporary Art.
• Mercado de Dulces y Artesanias - Candy and Crafts market - Located to the west of the Colegio de Jesuitas, selling all kinds of regional sweets and crafts.
• Benito Juarez Zoo - Morelia's zoo holds the largest collection of species in the country. Open Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm; Saturdays, Sundays and holiday 10 am to 6 pm.
• Planetarium - 164 projectors reproduce the movements of the stars on the planetarium's 20 meter high dome. Showings on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm; Sundays at 6:30 pm.
• Architecture of the Colonial Era
• Museums

Mask Museum - Templo y Ex-convento del Carmen - construction was begun in 1593 and carried on throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. It underwent restoration from 1974 and 1979 and was converted into the Morelian Cultural Institute for workshops and exhibits. It is home to the Mask Museum, which is open to the public Mon-Fri 10 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm. Sat-Sun 11 am - 2 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm.

Museo Casa de Morelos - This mansion was built in 1758 and purchased by Morelos in 1801. It is now a museum displaying historical artifacts and documents. Open daily 9 am - 7 pm

Museum of Colonial Art - Located in the building which housed Morelias first printing press in 1821. The museum exhibits, among other artifacts, figures of Christ made of cornstalk paste from the Evangelization era. Hours: Monday-Friday 10 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm; Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 2 pm and 4:30 pm to 7 pm.

Museum of Contemporary Art Alfredo Zalce - Located in Bosque Cuauhtemoc. Open Tues-Sat 10 am to 14 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm. Sundays, 10 am to 3 pm

Museum of Geology and Mineralogy - on the University campus. Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am to 3 pm.

Museum of Natural History. Open daily 10 am to 6 pm.

Regional Michoacan Museum - House in an ornate building dating from 1772, The Regional Museum was established in 1886 and is one of the country's oldest. Open Tues-Sat 9 am to 7 pm; Sundasy 9 am to 2 pm.

State Museum - holds sections on Archaeology, History and Ethnology. Open Mon-Fri 9 am to 2 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9 am to 2 pm. and 4 pm to 7 pm.