Palace of Huitziméngari in Pátzcuaro

The Palace of Huitziméngari is located in the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, just down the street from our Hotel Mansión Iturbe.

It’s an historic building that today is the home of an Artisan Center run by the Purepecha community. Indigenous people of the different communities in the region come here to sell their handicrafts.

The Palace of Huitziméngari in Pátzcuaro

This casona is probably the oldest civilian construction of Pátzcuaro.  It was formerly the home of Don Antonio Huitziméngari de Mendoza, who was Governor of Pátzcuaro, and son of the last Caltzonzin (Emperor of the Purépecha Empire).

Strolling around the Plaza, you will find the Palace of Huitziméngari a couple doors down from the northeast corner.  We highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys and appreciates Mexican folk art.

Palace of Huitzimengari in Pátzcuaro

In the Palace of Huitziméngari, you can talk directly with the artisans, who use age-old techniques.  In many cases, techniques date from before the arrival of Don Vasco de Quiroga, who helped the indigenous refine their techniques, as well as teach them new trades, during the time of evangelization.

Indigenous Artisan Women working at the Palace of Huitziméngari in Pátzcuaro

The unique piece that you take home – be it wood carving, a toy, pottery, weaving, etc. – will represent a part of the identity of these peoples in the region. Plus, with your purchase, you help promote the sustainable development of the Lake area.

Artisan Woman weaving vegetal fibers from Lake Patzcuaro

Especially if you visit Pátzcuaro during the Day of the Dead, we recommend you visit the Palace of Huitziméngari, when they fill the central courtyard with their handicrafts.

Day of the Dead offerings at the Palace of Huitziméngari in Pátzcuaro

Day of the Dead offerings at the Palace of Huitziméngari in Pátzcuaro

At Easter, the Purépecha community also decorates this property ornately, following the tradition of the region.

Altar of Lady of Sadness in Easter at the Palace of Huitziméngari in Pátzcuaro

So, particularly if you are on a tight schedule and don’t have time to visit the towns around the lake, visiting the Palace of Huitziméngari will provide you with an excellent sampling of what is available around the lake, without ever leaving Pátzcuaro.

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

We invite you to visit our blog, you will find information about Pátzcuaro and its surroundings that we hope will be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico.

Here are some post that we suggest you:

Santa Fe de la Laguna – An Example of Community Development by Way of Tourism

Cocuchas – Distinctively Michoacán

Folk Art and Its Economic Importance to the Communities around Lake Patzcuaro 

Hotel Mansión Iturbe
Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

61600 Pátzcuaro, Michoacán.

México

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