Patzcuaro Attractions

Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud - Dating from 1554, the Basilica, situated on the hillside 2 blocks east of the large square, houses the Virgin of Health, dating from 1547 and created from a mix of crushed cornstalks and wild orchid extract. She is paid homage yearly on May 8 and Dec. 8. Offerings are left to Our Lady of Health on these feast days, consisting of short notes requesting favors or thanking the Virgin for favors granted, milagros - tiny figures made of silver and other metals, depicting parts of the body (the head, heart, an arm, a leg, an eye) as well as insects and animals (pigs, chickens, dogs, cats, scorpions), house and cars. These offerings are often attached at the Virgin's back, accessible via two small sets of stairs.

Casa del Gigante - Portal de Morelos 40, Plaza Don Vasco de Quiroga - One of Pátzcuaro's oldest residences. Built in 1663. It's name, House of the Giant, stems from its large statue of a soldier.

Casa de los Once Patios - House of Eleven Patios - Between José María Cos and Enseñanza streets. This ex-convent now is home to the Casa de las Artesanías de Michoacán - a collection of shops selling all sorts of regional crafts.

Market - The food market just of the Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra also features crafts in copper, wood, straw, clay as well as textiles such as sweaters, shawls and rugs.

Museo de Arte Popular y Arqueología - The Museum of Popular Art and Archeology is housed in what used to be the Colegio de San Nicolás, built in 1540, 2 blocks south of the Basilica.

Palacio de Huitzimengari - On the north side of Plaza Don Vasco de Quiroga, the Huitzimengari Palace was constructed by the Spaniards for the Tarascan Emperor. Now the seat of a group of local artisans and their crafts.

Sidetrips Around Lake Pátzcuaro -

Janitzio Island - Island community in Lake Pátzcuaro
Ihuatzio - Woven Reed figures
Tzintzuntzán - Ruins, furniture, baskets & pottery
Quiroga - Carved stone figures and leatherwork
Tocuaro - Carved Wooden Masks
Erongarícuaro - Furniture & Textiles