Location: Morelia
Top Things to do in Morelia
10 Free Things to do in Morelia That You Shouldn't Miss
Morelia (Spanish pronunciation: [moˈɾelja]; from 1545 to 1828 known as Valladolid) is a city and municipality in the north central part of the state of Michoacán in central Mexico. The city is in the Guayangareo Valley and is the capital and largest city of the state. The main pre-Hispanic cultures here were the Purépecha and the Matlatzinca, but no major cities were founded in the valley during this time. The Spanish took control of the area in the 1520s. The Spanish under Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza founded a settlement here in 1541 with the name of Valladolid, which became rival to the nearby city of Pátzcuaro for dominance in Michoacán. In 1580, this rivalry ended in Valladolid’s favor and it became the capital of the colonial province. After the Mexican War of Independence, the city was renamed Morelia in honor of José María Morelos, who hailed from the city. In 1991, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved colonial buildings and layout of the historic center.
Restaurants in Morelia
1. Santuario de Guadalupe y Exconvento de San Diego
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 593 reviews
Reviewed By riskyone - Austin, United States
Such a beautiful place both inside and out. Truly the focal point of the historic district. Please be respectful especially if something is happening inside.
2. Catedral de Morelia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By vagabondginger - San Diego, United States
Construction of this cathedral began in 1660 and was completed in 1744 - yes, 84 years later. The towers are towering - over 200 feet high. The organ inside is impressive. This pink stone cathedral is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is the city's shining star.
3. Centro Historico de Morelia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 670 reviews
Reviewed By tenesc - Mexico, null
Well deserved UNESCO world heritage site!. Built in the 16th century, Morelia is an outstanding example of urban planning which combines the ideas of the Spanish Renaissance with the Mesoamerican experience.
4. Villa Longin
5. Casa de la Cultura de Morelia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
This cultural center is a gathering place for artists and musicians and offers a variety of classes.
Reviewed By Lipstickkids - Vancouver, Canada
This was so amazing, we had to return the same day to have another look. It truely is wonderful to view the current exhibition of posters and murals
6. Fuente de las Tarascas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 403 reviews
This fountain, featuring sculptures of three women holding fruit toward the sky, is a popular city landmark.
Reviewed By Jon10834
Went on a Sunday morning and this is a very fun place to be. The fountain, aqueduct, park and romance ally are all right there. It was fun watching folks enjoy the park and fountain with their dogs.
7. Acueducto de Morelia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 736 reviews
Built of stone in 1785, this Aqueduct with 253 arches is one of Morelia's biggest attractions.
Reviewed By vagabondginger - San Diego, United States
Morelia has a very Spanish feel to it and this Roman-style aqueduct reminded me a bit of Segovia in Spain altho not of that scale. This one was built in the 1700's and has 253 arches and is about 2km long. It's beautiful so see in a drive by and very near the Vision of Guadalupe church which is another quick stop worth doing just to see the inside.
8. Antiguo Palacio de Justicia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Built as the Town Hall in the sixteenth century. A lovely French-style facade was added in 1885.
9. Templo de Santa Rosa de Lima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By jonathank918 - Princeton, United States
We stumbled upon this church by accident, and were very glad we did. Its humble exterior conceals a gorgeous interior, with ornate wood carvings and lots of gold leaf. Don't miss this.
10. Jardin de las Rosas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 474 reviews
Reviewed By ReluctantReviews - Vancouver, Canada
Lovely area away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag. Relaxing place to wonder - have a cup of coffee at a local bar and just enjoy the atmosphere. Great statue - see picture
