Historic Centre of Morelia
Location: Michoacán Mexico
Year of Inscription: 2013
Criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Morelia is a historic city in central Mexico, known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. The historic center of Morelia contains over 200 buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries, including churches, palaces, and government buildings.
Prominent Features:
History: Morelia was founded in 1541 as Valladolid by Spanish conquistador Antonio de Mendoza. It was an important political and cultural center during the colonial era and played a significant role in Mexico's War of Independence. Today, Morelia is the capital of the state of Michoacán and is known for its cultural and educational institutions.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Morelia Zoo is a popular destination for families, as is the Museum of Natural History. The city also offers a number of parks and plazas for outdoor activities.
Fun Fact: The Cathedral in Morelia took almost a century to build and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Mexico.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees for the historic center of Morelia, but some museums and attractions may have an admission fee.
How to Reach it: The closest airport is General Francisco Mujica International Airport, located about 25 kilometers outside of Morelia. There are also bus and train connections to Morelia from other cities in Mexico.
From Mexico City, buses depart from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte. The journey takes about 4 hours, depending on traffic, and the fare varies depending on the bus company and the type of service. Some popular bus companies that operate between Mexico City and Morelia include ETN, Primera Plus, and Autovías.
From Guadalajara, buses depart from the Central de Autobuses de Guadalajara. The journey takes around 3.5 hours, and the fare varies depending on the bus company and the type of service. Some popular bus companies that operate between Guadalajara and Morelia include ETN, Primera Plus, and Autovías.
You can take a train from Mexico City to the city of Maravatío, which is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from Morelia. The journey takes about 3 hours and there are several trains departing from Mexico City's Buenavista station throughout the day.
Additionally, Morelia has a local bus system that is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Where to Stay: There are many hotels and guesthouses in and around the historic center of Morelia, ranging from budget options to luxury accommodations. Some popular options include
Next Stop: Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Year of Inscription: 2013
Criteria: (ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iv)to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history;
(vi)to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: Morelia is a historic city in central Mexico, known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. The historic center of Morelia contains over 200 buildings from the 16th to 18th centuries, including churches, palaces, and government buildings.
Prominent Features:
- The main square, Plaza de Armas, is surrounded by impressive colonial buildings, including the Government Palace, the Cathedral, and the Casa de las Artesanías.
- The Palacio Clavijero, a former Jesuit college, now houses the State Museum of Michoacán.
- The Aqueduct, which dates back to the 18th century, is also a popular attraction.
History: Morelia was founded in 1541 as Valladolid by Spanish conquistador Antonio de Mendoza. It was an important political and cultural center during the colonial era and played a significant role in Mexico's War of Independence. Today, Morelia is the capital of the state of Michoacán and is known for its cultural and educational institutions.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Morelia Zoo is a popular destination for families, as is the Museum of Natural History. The city also offers a number of parks and plazas for outdoor activities.
Fun Fact: The Cathedral in Morelia took almost a century to build and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Mexico.
Entry Fees: There are no entry fees for the historic center of Morelia, but some museums and attractions may have an admission fee.
How to Reach it: The closest airport is General Francisco Mujica International Airport, located about 25 kilometers outside of Morelia. There are also bus and train connections to Morelia from other cities in Mexico.
From Mexico City, buses depart from Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte. The journey takes about 4 hours, depending on traffic, and the fare varies depending on the bus company and the type of service. Some popular bus companies that operate between Mexico City and Morelia include ETN, Primera Plus, and Autovías.
From Guadalajara, buses depart from the Central de Autobuses de Guadalajara. The journey takes around 3.5 hours, and the fare varies depending on the bus company and the type of service. Some popular bus companies that operate between Guadalajara and Morelia include ETN, Primera Plus, and Autovías.
You can take a train from Mexico City to the city of Maravatío, which is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from Morelia. The journey takes about 3 hours and there are several trains departing from Mexico City's Buenavista station throughout the day.
Additionally, Morelia has a local bus system that is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.
Where to Stay: There are many hotels and guesthouses in and around the historic center of Morelia, ranging from budget options to luxury accommodations. Some popular options include
- Hotel Alameda Centro Historico,
- Hotel Casino Morelia
- Casa de la Loma.
Next Stop: Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve