The Historic Center of Morelia is the heart of the city of Morelia, in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. Its streets, squares and buildings are built largely from pink stone, which gives the old town a warm and distinctive colour. The area is also known as the Centro Histórico de Morelia and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What you will see
The center holds more than a thousand historic monuments, so walking through it is the main way to experience the place. Much of the layout reflects Spanish colonial urban planning, with a clear grid of streets and public squares arranged around the city's civic and religious buildings. The architecture is largely baroque, and the facades, doorways and balconies reward a slow look.
Planning your visit
- Address: Av. Francisco I. Madero Ote., Centro histórico de Morelia, 58000 Morelia, Mich., Mexico
- Contact: +52 443 317 2371
- Best suited to: unhurried walks, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in colonial history
Around the old town
Because the historic center is compact in feel and so rich in buildings, a visit tends to be a matter of wandering rather than ticking off a list. Plan for time on foot, and allow room to stop in the squares. The surrounding city of Morelia, the capital of Michoacán, gives you further places to eat and stay within easy reach of the monuments.