Morelia, Michoacán: history, art and culture

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A gem of a city, the colonial-era Morelia is a delightful place to linger in Mexico, whether you’re here for a few days or longer.

Little change has been made to the layout of this historic city, founded in 1541, and thanks to the more than 200 well-preserved buildings that date back many hundreds of years, the entire downtown core has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A highlight of a visit is spending time in the magnificent Plaza de Armas. Laid out nearly 500 years ago, this large public square is perfect for those who like to explore on foot.

In addition to its many great cafés, restaurants, and shopping opportunities, here you’ll find everything from statues of revolutionary heroes to attractive stretches of gardens and pleasant fountains, making for one of the prettiest cityscapes in all of Mexico.

Nearby attractions you’ll want to visit include the attractive Morelia Cathedral, built from local stone over a period of 100 years, starting in 1640, and still dominating the skyline to this day. Be sure to pop inside, too, and spend time examining interesting features, including its amazing artwork.

Morelia Acueduct

A short walk from here is another must-see: the Morelia Aqueduct. Completed in 1789 and featuring over 250 arches, it, too, was built of local stone, and for years was the city’s main source of drinking water.

Source: Planetware

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