Are you searching for the Best Places to Visit in Michoacán? Are you thinking of a trip to North America and wondering what to explore in Michoacán? We’ve got you covered. Michoacan is a former state of Michoacan de Ocampo, formerly the Free and Sovereign State Michoacan de Ocampo. It is one of 31 states that, together with the Federal District, make up the 32 Federal Entities in Mexico.
It is divided into 113 municipalities, and Morelia is its capital. Jose Maria Morelos was one of the most important heroes of the Mexican War of Independence. The city’s name is Jose Maria Morelos. Michoacan, located in Western Mexico, stretches along the Pacific Ocean’s southwest coast. It borders the states of Colima, Jalisco, Guanajuato, and Queretaro to its northwest and west, respectively.
Santuario de Guadalupe
Santuario de Guadalupe is one of the best places to visit in Michoacán. The exterior of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe is not a reason to avoid it. It’s also known locally as Santuario de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. You’ll find a stunning church interior in Mexico after you walk the cobblestone pathway to the 18th-century church.
The interior is a national treasure and was lavishly decorated by native and European craftsmen in bright colors. Countless plaster rosettes rise to the ceiling, which is covered with gold leaf.
After you’re done with this impressive building, go to the Church of St. Francis nearby. It was built in 1540 and is the oldest sacral building in the city. The Renaissance-style entrance facade with Plateresque elements and the small bell tower covered in azulejos are worth mentioning.
Morelia Cathedral
This stunning cathedral is located in Morelia’s Central Plaza. You can see a variety of architectural styles as well as rare 16th-century artwork. The city’s skyline is dominated by the towers, cupolas, and domes of the Morelia Cathedral. Admire the cathedral’s distinctive architectural styles and the sculptures and paintings inside.
The magnificent Morelia Cathedral covers two blocks of the city’s center. The building was built in 1660 but was completed in 1744. Because of the time required to make the cathedral, it used many architectural styles. Touring this unique structure, you will see Baroque, Herreresque, and neoclassical components. It is often hailed as the most beautiful cathedral in Mexico. However, it is also the only one oriented to the east.
You will find its towers from any direction you go to the cathedral. They are 230 feet (70.1 m) tall and have square bases in Herreresque style with ornate, neoclassical spires. The cathedral’s facade is highlighted by the cathedral’s light-pink stonework, as well as the intricate statues and carvings.
To see the magnificently lit towers and tiled domes against the night sky, stay until after darkness falls. You can enter the cathedral to see a predominantly neoclassical inside and then make your way through the leather-covered doors to reach the sacristy. The cathedral has a fine collection of art.
You’ll also find 16th-century paintings and a giant statue of Christ. The sculpture, gifted to the city by King Felipe II Spain, was made of corn paste and topped with a golden crown. To the left of the cathedral, you will find the elaborate gold-and-silver baptistery that dates back to the 18th century.
A spectacular fireworks display lights the sky above the cathedral on Saturday nights. For the Day of the Dead celebrations, November is the most dramatic. The Central Plaza is home to Morelia Cathedral. It can be accessed by foot or public transport. There is no entrance fee. On weekends and holidays, the cathedral can get crowded.
Clavijero Palace
The massive Clavijero Palace, part of the city’s old university, is opposite Colegio de San Nicolas. It also has a large courtyard. The Iglesia de la Compania is a Jesuit church built in 1681 and now houses the city’s Public Library (Biblioteca Publica).
The Mercado De Dulces is another exciting place, especially for sweet-toothed people. This market, also known as the Sweet Market, is famous for its sweet treats, including candied coconut, sweetened fruits and vegetables, and traditional handicrafts.
Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park
After a busy morning of sightseeing, Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park offers a relaxing place to relax, take a break, and enjoy a delicious lunch.
This green space and recreation is a tourist highlight in Uruapan. It’s just one attraction worth seeing in the region. After enjoying Barranca del Cupatitzio National Park’s fun, check out nearby Antojitos Market and La Huatapera Regional Museum.
Santa Clara del Cobre
Santa Clara del Cobre is one of the best places to visit in Michoacán. Santa Clara del Cobre, a Magical municipality and town, is located in central Michoacan, Mexico. It is 18 km from Patzcuaro and 79 kilometers from Morelia, the state capital.
Although Salvador Escalante is the official name for the municipality, the town is sometimes marked as Villa Escalante (or Salvador Escalante) on maps. However, the two entities are often called Santa Clara del Cobre interchangeably.
The Pure Pecha people are ethnically dominant in the Patzcuaro area of Michoacan. This town was a significant hub for copper crafts from the pre-Hispanic period to the late 19th century. Economic downturns almost destroyed the industry, but efforts in the 1940s-70s helped to revive it.
Plaza de Armas
This historic square is a wonderful place to stop because of the beautiful gardens and breathtaking views of Morelia Cathedral. Enjoy stunning views of Morelia’s 16th-century cathedral from the tranquil Plaza de Armas. See the memorial plaques for those who have died and learn about the history of executions.
Take a stroll through the gardens and stop at the kiosk to rest. The square was the scene of many executions in the 19th century. Among those who died were priests and supporters of federalism. Although the court dates back to the 1540s, it achieved its current appearance in the 19th century by adding fountains, neatly planted trees, and wide paths.
Enjoy the views of Morelia Cathedral from a peaceful spot in the park. The cathedral’s iconic towers and dome are visible above the trees. Follow the paths to the kiosk. The building dates back to 1887 and has a charming iron frame with a neatly domed roof.
The plaque commemorating the martyrs of this square is available to view. The plaque includes the names of the victims as well as details about the crimes that cost them their lives. A plaque designating Morelia’s old center as a UNESCO Heritage Site is located nearby.
You can sit on one of the benches in the park and have a snack or stroll past the small fountains and flower beds. The square is most beautiful at night when the lights from the cathedral’s columns cast a magical glow over the fountains and trees. After a meal, take a walk around the square.
It is located in central Morelia’s Old Town and has several connections to public transport. It is open 24 hours a day and is free to access.
Morelia Convention Center
Morelia Convention Center offers additional entertainment options to make your vacation more enjoyable. You can find significant events and conferences at this place.
Morelia Convention Centre is a conference and events venue in Morelia. Morelia Cathedral is a great place to start exploring the surrounding area.
The Morelia Aqueduct
The Morelia Aqueduct is one of the best places to visit in Michoacán. The Morelia Aqueduct (El Acueducto) is one the most significant landmarks in the city and one of the finest-preserved examples of its type in the entire world. This remarkable feat of engineering is located in the east part of the old town center and measures 1,600m in length. It is supported by 253 arches that reach as high as 10 m.
It is distinguished by its distinctive pink color, resulting from using locally quarried rocks. Built the structure to supply drinking water to the city following a two-year drought. The cobbled path that runs along a portion of the aqueduct is a great place to see. It’s beautiful at night when it’s illuminated.
Michoacán Regional Museum
The Michoacan Regional Museum (Museo Regional de Michoacan), housed in a beautiful Baroque building from the mid-18th century, is one of the most popular attractions in the city. It was established in 1886 and contained an extensive collection of critical Pre-Columbian artifacts, fine paintings, weapons, and furniture from the Spanish colonial period.
The large murals in the building’s staircases are also worth a look. They were painted by Alfredo Zalce and Grace Greenwood, local artists. Particularly noteworthy is Traslado de las Monjas which is believed to be the best painting from the city’s colonial era.
Another collection that is worth seeing is the State Museum. (Museo del Estado). It houses displays related to state history, archeology, and ethnology, as well as collections relating to Indian costumes, precious stones, and minerals.
Mariposa Monarca
Mariposa Monarca is one of the best places to visit in Michoacán. The Monarch Butterfly Ecosphere Reserve is a World Heritage Site that contains most of the overwintering areas of the eastern monarch butterfly population. It is located 100km northwest of Mexico City in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt pine-oak forest ecoregion, bordering Michoacan State and Mexico.
Each year, millions of butterflies visit the Reserve. From October to March, only a tiny fraction of the 56,000 hectares in the Reserve are home to butterflies. The mission of the biosphere is to conserve butterfly species and their habitat. These areas are home to most over-wintering monarchs in eastern North America.
These areas were discovered by western researchers in 1975. These areas were designated federal reserves by presidential decrees in 2000 and 1980. In 1980, the Reserve was established as a Biosphere Reserve, and in 2008 it was made a World Heritage Site. It is mainly rural.
The adverse effects of illegal logging, tourism, and other activities concern reserve administrators. Conservation efforts can sometimes conflict with the interests of local farmers, community-based owners, private landowners, and indigenous people.
Conclusion
All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, Mariposa Monarca is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in Michoacán.
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