Historic Centre of Morelia, Historic centre in Morelia, Mexico

The Historic Centre of Morelia is the old town of Morelia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Mexico. It is laid out on a grid of streets lined with buildings made of pink stone, and its main square, the Plaza de Armas, is surrounded by arcades and important buildings.

Founded in the 16th century, the city was built on a grid plan that became a model for other colonial towns in the region. Many of its churches and palaces date from the 17th and 18th centuries, when the city grew as a cultural and religious centre.

The pink stone used in many buildings gives the centre a warm color, and locals often gather in the plazas in the evening. The city is known for its music and for the sweet treats sold in the streets, such as the famous morelianas.

The area is best explored on foot, with many pedestrian streets and shaded plazas where you can rest. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water, as the altitude and sun can be tiring.

The city is the birthplace of several important figures in Mexican history, including José María Morelos, after whom it was renamed. A local tradition says that the pink stone used in many buildings comes from nearby quarries and gives the city its nickname, the Pink City.