Morelia, Michoacan: Historic Center

Morelia is the capital of the state of Michoacan, Mexico. It is Michoacan’s largest city and features an abundance of beautiful colonial architecture.

It is the birthplace of José María Morelos y Pavón (1765), a hero of the Mexican independence movement. The city, which was called Valladolid from 1545 to 1828, was named Morelia in honor of Morelos after the War of Independence.

The historic center of the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.  In fact, the center of the city holds 249 historic building of its signature pink stone, amongst which figure the spectacular cathedral, the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), a well-preserved aqueduct (dating from 1786-89), and the Conservatorio de Musica (Music Conservatory), which was the first music conservatory in Mexico.

Morelia is an easy 3-1/2 to 4 hour drive from Zihuatanejo via the Siglo XXI highway that runs from Morelia to Lazaro Cardenas. 



More information: