About Morelia

Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, is a beautiful, well preserved Colonial city of about 550,000 people. Officially founded in 1541, it was one of the first Spanish cities in Nueva España. First named Valladolid, after a Spanish city of the same name, it was renamed Morelia in 1828 after José María Morelos y Pavón, a key figure in Mexico's independence movement who was born in the city. Originally the area was a Purépecha village, and then in 1530 a Franciscan monastery was built.

The feel of Morelia is sophisticated, clean, educated, sweet and delicious. The restaurants serve local specialties, service is good, and ambiance is clearly important. Although further south, at 1920m, it is almost 1 km higher than San Miguel, and the climate is spring-like and there is a view of the surrounding mountains from nearly all directions. There are powerful murals, cathedrals, monuments and buildings.

Getting there from San Miguel: Morelia is about a 3-4 hour drive by car depending on your route and stops. Once you pass Salamanca and head south on Mex. 43, the drive passes through rolling hills, lakes, and then green, lush volcanos. The city is 315 km west of Mexico City and 278 km southeast of Guadalajara. First class buses run directly from Querétaro (3 hours) and Celaya (2 hours). The Central Camionera bus station is at Eduardo Ruíz and Valentín Gómez Farías, 7 blocks northwest of the cathedral. Around Morelia, Uruapan and Patzcuaro are nice towns to visit for a beautiful drive and a day trip.

Tourist information is available at Galería de Turismo (317-2371, 800-450-2300) at, the corner of Madero and Nigromante. They offer free maps, brochures in Spanish and English, plus information on cultural and other upcoming events.The office is open weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 9am to 2pm. The area code for calling Morelia is (4).

Restaurants
*please email restaurant and hotel recommendations with a short description and price ranges to info@portalsanmiguel.com

Fonda Las Mercedes (León Guzmán 47, 312-6113)
This Colonial stone building is tastefully decorated with palms, interesting lighting and stately artwork. The house specialty is sabana Mercedes, a fillet of beef pounded thin and grilled with parsley and olive oil on top - excellent.
La Lupita (Sánchez de Tagle 1004, Col. Ventura Puente, 312-1340)
Superb Michoacán food.
Las Trojes (Juan Sebastian Bach 51, 314-7344)
Tasteful ambiance, beef is house specialty.

Accommodations
Villa Montaña (Patzimba 201, 314-0231)
Luxurious hotel decorated with antiques and local handicrafts. Stunning views.
Virrey de Mendoza (Madero Pte. 310, 312-0633)
Built in 1565, this beautiful colonial hotel overlooks the main square in Morelia.
Posada Don Vosco
Clean rooms with private bath for the budget traveler.

Museums
Museo Regional Michoacano, Allende 305
Houses objects of great historical and artistic importance.
Museo del Estado, Guillermo Prieto 176
Educational museum of anthropology, history and ethnology.
Museo de la Mascara, Av. Morelos Norte 485
Masks from around Mexico.
Museo de Arte Colonial, Benito Juárez 240
A variety of important historical artistic works.
Museo Casa de Morelos, Morelos Sur 323
Paintings, photos and period pieces from the life of José María Morelos y Pavón.
Museo Casa Natal de Morelos, Corregidora 1135
Collectable pieces from Morelos' life.
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo "Alfredo Zalce", Bosque de Cuauhtémoc S/N.
Works by Michoacán artists Alfredo Zalce, Efraín Vargas and others, as well as select exhibits from national and international artists.

Events and Festivals
Feria de Morelia - Celebrating Morelia's founding, history, culture and agriculture. May 18 (festivities April 29-May20)
Feria de Órgano - International organ festival that takes place during the first two weeks of May.
International Guitar Festival - Dates vary, but usually takes place in the Spring.
Independence Day, September 16, and Morelos's Birthday, September 30 - large fireworks displays, parades and festivities.