Places of Interest in Patzcuaro
By the shore of Lake Pátzcuaro lies this tranquil town with cobblestone streets, stately houses, tree-lined plazas, and bustling porticoes. Pátzcuaro retains the provincial charm of its slopes, fountains, temples, and daily rituals. Few places in Mexico can boast over 500 years of history, and Pátzcuaro is one of them. Founded by Don Vasco to be the political and religious center of the region.
Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud
It was built on a pre-Hispanic ceremonial center by order of the first Bishop of Michoacan, Don Vasco de Quiroga, where his remains are now kept and is the main religious building in Patzcuaro.
Museum of popular arts and industries
The 1540 headquarters of the Colegio de San Nicolas Obispo, the work of Vasco de Quiroga, displays the amazing crafts of Michoacan: pottery, copper, stone, wood, maque (lacquer) from Uruapan, lacquers from Quiroga, gold profiling from Pátzcuaro, backstrap loom, pedal loom, embroidery, lute making and more.
Casa de los Once patios
Originally part of the former Convent of Santa Catarina and home to Dominican nuns, it currently functions as a place where a wide variety of regional crafts are exhibited and sold. The mastery of the artisans and their creativity can be observed in the workshops.
Templo del Sagrario
One of the most representative architectural monuments of this magical town. Its architectural beauty is an example of viceregal architecture. When you visit it, you will be surprised by its altar, which is a unique testimony of the baroque style.
Former Jesuit College (now House of Culture)
The place currently functions as a cultural center and presents film and theater performances, teaches some disciplines and exhibits works by local, national and international artists in its exhibition halls.
Vasco de Quiroga Square
This large square is surrounded by colonial buildings and is considered one of the most beautiful in America. Its size, the majestic mansions built around it and the absence of religious buildings make it different from all the others.
Palace of Huitziméngari
This residence, which belonged to Prince Antonio de Huitzimengari, son of the last Purepecha ruler or Cazonci and godson of the first Viceroy of New Spain, Don Antonio de Mendoza, is located in the main square. Although it has a sober façade, inside there is a courtyard full of flowers and surrounded by arches, where indigenous artisans display their products.
Gertrudis Bocanegra Public Library
This is the place where artist Juan O’Gorman painted the emblematic mural of the complex in 1941, which was completed on February 10, 1942. The mural is divided into four sections: creation according to the Purepechas; indigenous life before the Conquest; the arrival of the Spanish; and moments of life during the Colony.
Shrine of Guadalupe
Temple of the virgin of Guadalupe built at the beginning of the 19th century in a neoclassical style.
General Dock and San Pedrito Dock
Main departure points for boats heading to Janitzio and the rest of the islands on Lake Patzcuaro. In addition to being able to embark to the islands, there is a wide variety of handicrafts from the region, as well as restaurants and snack bars.
Janitzio Island
Janitzio is a picturesque island 20 minutes by boat from the dock. Its name means “Cabello de elote”. A 40-meter-high monument was erected on its summit and inside it, the painter Ramon Alva de la Canal painted the life of Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon. The indigenous community that lives there has preserved the authenticity of its customs, such as the vigil on the Noche de Muertos.
Viewpoint “el Estribo Grande” and Viewpoint “el estribo chico”.
These two viewpoints offer an impressive and incomparable panoramic view of the town and the lake region.
Purepecha Civilization
On its shores flourished the Purépecha civilization, and the communities along the banks and on the islands of Janitzio, Yunuén, and Pacanda preserve their customs and identity.
Handicraft Production
Pátzcuaro’s handicraft production is recognized worldwide, including pottery, metalwork, woodwork, textiles, and vegetable fibers, among others. Most of these crafts have their origins in the pre-Hispanic era, and today, many are still produced with ancestral techniques.
Patzcuaro: History and Culture
Pátzcuaro is history, culture, tradition, customs, dances, music, gastronomy, architecture, archaeology, natural beauty, and landscape diversity.
Night of the Dead
In Pátzcuaro, the Night of the Dead or Animas is born, where death fills homes, cemeteries, and paths with life. These places, brimming with altars, flowers, food, and candles, manifest the traditional richness of this state. On the night of November 1st, offerings are placed on the graves of those who no longer physically exist to honor what they were.