La Plaza Vasco de Quiroga in Patzcuaro

La Plaza Vasco de Quiroga in Pátzcuaro, also known as the Plaza Grande, happens to be located smack in front of our Hotel Mansión Iturbe, which happens to be located smack in the heart of our Magical Town.



Main Square in Pátzcuaro: Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

In the center of the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, you will find the statue of its namesake, who was the first bishop of Michoacán, and who was responsible for moving the bishopric in 1538 – almost 500 years ago – from Tzintzuntzan to Pátzcuaro in the first place.



Vasco de Quiroga first bishop of Michoacán


The emblematic Plaza Vasco de Quiroga in Pátzcuaro is considered one of the loveliest in all Mexico.  And it happens to be one of the largest, measuring about 600 by 450 feet – unusual for a village of our size. It attracts countless visitors from all over Mexico and abroad.



Vasco de Quiroga Square at the Mexican Colonial Town of Patzcuaro

In 1553, Pátzcuaro received its own coat of arms as the capital of one of the most important provinces of New Spain.

 

Main Square of Patzcuaro, Michoacán

Interestingly, unlike other plazas from the era, you won’t find any other religious connections in the entire plaza.

 

Pátzcuaro one of the nicest colonial towns in Mexico

 

The Plaza Vasco de Quiroga is the gathering place for locals, tourists, the Purépecha community, and residents of other communities of the lacustrine area.

 

 

The Plaza is an esplanade with majestic trees, surrounded by 500-year-old homes and historical monuments.  Among them are the City Hall, Palacio de Huitzimengari (now home to artisans), the famous Casa del Gigante, the house where Doña Gertrudis Bocanegra was born, and of course the illustrious Mansión Iturbe, which was a principal commercial concern in the 16^th century, and which later played an important role in the Conspiracy of Valladolid (one of the principal locales of one the Conspirators).



Vasco de Quiroga Square in Pátzcuaro



View of Main Square from Hotel Mansión Iturbe in Pátzcuaro

 

With time, of course, hotels, restaurants, ice-cream stands, and artisan shops have found their niches in and among the historical buildings.

 

 

The Plaza has recently been renovated, complete with excellent lighting and a find sound system.  After dinner in one of our fine restaurants, take a stroll around the Plaza and enjoy the colorful sights and alluring aromas of the evening.



Main Square in Pátzcuaro at night

Never been to Pátzcuaro for Day of the Dead?  OMG!  You will not believe how the Plaza is transformed into the artisanal shopper’s Paradise!



Day of the Dead in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México

*Text, pictures & videos property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.

 

We invite you to check more articles in our blog, here you will find information that we hope will be useful for your next visit to Pátzcuaro.

The Founding of Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Discover the Cultural Heritage of Patzcuaro

Mexican Folk Art on the Banks of Lake Patzcuaro

 

Hotel Mansion Iturbe
Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
61600 Patzcuaro, Michoacan
México

For more information about our Hotel in Patzcuaro

Reservations online at Hotel Mansion Iturbe

Tels: +52 (434) 342 0368 / 342 3628

Fax: +52 (434) 342 3627

Toll Free fax number from USA & CANADA: 1 866 678 6102

 

GDS CODES:

Amadeus: ON MLMMAN
Sabre: ON 16297