De straten volgen nog steeds het oorspronkelijke ontwerp en zijn goed aangepast aan de heuvelhellingen. Meer dan historische gebouwen — allemaal opgetrokken uit de karakteristieke roze steen van de regio — weerspiegelen de architectonische geschiedenis van de stad. Ze vertonen een meesterlijke, eclectische melange van een middeleeuwse inslag en elementen uit de renaissance, barok en neoklassieke periode. Morelia heeft een belangrijke rol gespeeld in de geschiedenis van het onfahankelijke Mexico.
Source: unesco. Built in the 16th century according to a "checkerboard" layout, Morelia is an outstanding example of urban development combining town planning theories of Spain and the Mesoamerican experience. Well suited to the slopes of the central hill of the valley, its streets follow the original layout. The city has major axes, numerous urban squares, of which the vast rectangular Zocalo Plaza, and gardens that create an open, airy ensemble with magnificent vistas of the surrounding hills.
The central part of the Historic Centre of Morelia includes monuments of prime importance, of which 21 churches and 20 civil constructions, which crystallize the architectural history of the city.
The sobriety of the urban townscape is enhanced by many Baroque facades characteristic of the religious foundations, including the cathedral and the churches of Santa Rosa, de las Monjas and Guadelupe.
Although the majority of the monuments were erected in the 17th and 18th centuries, styles of earlier and later periods Middle Ages, Renaissance and Neoclassicism merge in the creation of the "Baroque Moreliano".
Together, they form a harmonious unity that reinforces the measured use of architectural elements in pink stone, the numerous arcades and imposing towers and cupolas covered with azulejos that dominate the city. Founded in the 16th century under the name of Valladolid, the city was, at the beginning of the 19th century, one of the main centres of the struggle for independence of the country. It is to the glory of the latter, a native of Valladolid, that the city was renamed Morelia in Criterion ii : The historic centre of Morelia is an outstanding example of urban planning which associates the ideas of the Spanish Renaissance with the Mesoamerican experience.
Criterion iv : More than two hundred historical buildings reflect the architectural history of the city. In these masterpieces built of pink stone characteristic of the region, the medieval spirit blends with the style of the Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical and eclectic elements with exceptional mastery and talent.
Criterion vi : Morelia was the birthplace of several important personalities of independent Mexico and played an important role in the country's history. The original model of urban development, which is one of the universal values of the Historic Centre of Morelia has been maintained.
In addition, the urban public space has preserved its integrity and the streets still follow the original layout. Despite the changes of use required to meet the needs of civil society, the monumental Baroque style buildings have preserved their own architectural characteristics.
The transformation of old residential buildings to new uses related to tourism has been achieved in respect of the integrity of the inscribed site. It should be noted, however, that built heritage in good condition is found mainly in the heart of the historic centre. Conservation of the built heritage of traditional and neighbouring quarters has received less attention and the number of buildings in poor condition has increased. I checked into the Hotel Virrey de Mendoza, a colonial mansion dating back three centuries.
In the historic heart of the city and loaded with colonial charm, it was converted in from a private home into a hotel named for the viceroy who founded Morelia; a third floor was added later.
Its high ceilings, stained-glass atrium covering what once was a courtyard and collection of antique furniture produce just the right Old Mexico atmosphere. My bad luck in lodging choice during the visit with my kids was a minor setback.
We came across tableaus of Morelia history painted in murals in many public buildings by Alfredo Zalce, who, at 94, is one of the last survivors of the legendary generation of Mexican muralists that include Rivera, Siqueiros and Orozco. There, from October through March, monarch butterflies complete their 3,mile migration from as far away as Canada. It was a three-hour bus ride to Angangueo, then an hour trek up to see the insects clinging to tree branches in shimmering swarms.
But it was worth the trip, they said. As he and Maria Helene approached the trees, butterflies rained down on them, dead or dying after mating. The butterflies will be back in the fall but possibly in greatly reduced numbers. While the kids were taking in nature, I was taking the waters at Los Azufres National Park, having chosen to visit the mineral baths there.
Also in the mountains east of Morelia, amid geothermal power plants and sulfur mines, the Laguna Larga resort has two outdoor pools and another set of four thermal baths across the street and up the hill from its wood cabanas.
The drill at Laguna Larga is the same as at any thermal bath: sit, soak and let the mineral waters work their tranquilizing and mind-clearing magic.
The next morning, while the kids slept in, I took an early morning walking tour of the central city that featured enthusiastic, bilingual guides. Perhaps the most unusual remnant of Morelian times gone by is the three-quarter-mile-long Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel, a tree-lined processional walkway completed in the mids that is paved with limestone and lined with stone benches. The tour ended at the immense main cathedral, completed in after 80 years of construction. Upon entry, all eyes fix naturally on the gleaming, half-ton solid silver monstrance that sits atop the main altar.
It was crafted in , but revolutionary turmoil prompted church fathers to hide it in the cathedral basement for years. Discover Mexico A-Z. Located about miles west of Mexico City , Morelia is colonial with an aristocratic feel. The city is filled with elegant Spanish Colonial architecture featuring pink stone and baroque styles.
Many areas in this capital city have remained true to their colonial heritage because Morelia, like many colonial cities in Mexico, has strict building regulations to ensure that the original look and feel of the city is well-preserved. The center of town hosts a beautiful pink stone cathedral—one of the finest in Mexico—with twin towers over feet high.
Morelia has over one and a half million residents, a large university, and many opportunities for high-end art, music and other cultural experiences such as museums, theater and exhibits. Morelia also has a number of good language schools where people from all over the world come to study for extended periods of time.
Nearby Morelia is the colonial town of Patzcuaro. Just 45 minutes by highway from Morelia, Patzcuaro is a charming town with a mixed colonial and indigenous feel. Although Patzcuaro is close enough for a day-trip, it is best experienced with a stay over of at least one night. Domestic and international tourists alike come to see the butterflies which cover the trees with a bright flaming orange hue at the sanctuary near the town of Angangueo.
See Key Attractions, below, for more details. An impressive pink stone cathedral dominates the main plaza, which is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings. The cathedral is said to have taken over years to build and is one of the finest if not the finest in all of Mexico.
Palacio de Gobierno Government Palace , which is about a block east of the cathedral, and today boasts fine murals that tell the history of Michoacan and Mexico. Palacio Clavijero is right next to the tourist office and about 2 blocks west of the cathedral and has a pink stone patio. The Palacio Clavijero was a school, a warehouse and a prison before hosting the state government offices as it does today. Colegio de San Nicolas de Hidalgo , which is between Palacio Clavijero and the cathedral, hosts a statue of Miguel Hidalgo, one of the heroes of Mexican independence, amid a beautiful courtyard.
Plaza del Carmen is a few blocks north of the cathedral around the corner from the Museo de Arte Colonial and has numerous cultural performances. Templo de Capuchinas is a few blocks south of the Plaza Valladolid and is an adorable little baroque church that is best seen between 8 am and 9 am or 5 pm and 6 pm during mass. Morelia has several museums that are worth visiting to get an insight into the history and social evolution of this part of Mexico. Casa Museo de Morelos is a converted house, the place where Morelos lived as an adult.
Museo del Estado State Museum displays the archaeology and history around Morelia on the lower level and contemporary life in Michoacan on the upper level.
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