The Ancient College of San Nicolas Obispo in Patzcuaro, Michoacan (Museum of Folk Arts)

Among the important places to visit in Pátzcuaro is the Ancient College of San Nicolás (Museum of Folk Arts).  It’s just two blocks from our Hotel Mansión Iturbe.  Go up the hill (Vasco de Quiroga) toward the Basílica.  The Museo is on the left corner.


TThe Ancient College of San Nicolas Obispo in Patzcuaro, Michoacan
The Ancient College of San Nicolas Obispo in Patzcuaro, Michoacan 

It was built in 1540 at the direction of Don Vasco de Quiroga, in honor of Saint Nicolas Patron Bishop of Madrigal de las Altas Torres, Spain, where Don Vasco was originally from.
Back then, the aim of this College was to train priests to learn about the indigenous peoples, their custom, and culture, as well as the indigenous (Purépecha) language. They also taught indigenous children to read and write.
In 1543, King Charles I of Spain decreed that henceforth it would be the Royal College of San Nicolas Obispo.


The Ancient College of San Micolas Obispo in Patzcuaro, Michoacan (Museum of Follk Arts)
The Ancient College of San Micolas Obispo in Patzcuaro, Michoacan (Museum of Follk Arts)

In 1580 when the episcopal residence passed to Valladolid (Morelia), the College merged with that of San Miguel Guayangareo.


The Ancient College of San Micolas Obispo in Patzcuaro, Michoacan (Museum of Follk Arts)
The Ancient College of San Micolas Obispo in Patzcuaro, Michoacan (Museum of Follk Arts)

The Ancient College is considered the oldest in the Americas, the presage of what is today the Michoacana University of San Nicolas de Hidalgo, one of the most traditional educational institutions in Mexico where great heroes and characters from the history of Mexico have studied.
Currently, this historic monument houses the Museum of Folk Arts. We recommend that you visit this museum if you want to understand more about the different things that the indigenous people of the region work, such as lacquers, woods, pottery, and textiles.


Museum of Folk Art in Pátzcuaro at the Ancient College of San Nicolas Obispo
Museum of Folk Art in Pátzcuaro at the Ancient College of San Nicolas Obispo

Its lovely patio, traditional kitchen, and troje are some of the favorite places our guests love to visit.


Mexican Courtyard at the Ancient College of San Nicolas Obispo in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
Mexican Courtyard at the Ancient College of San Nicolas Obispo in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán

On your next visit to Pátzcuaro, give yourself time to discover our cultural and historical heritage. Another legacy of Don Vasco de Quiroga, now converted into an interesting museum.

*Text and pictures property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe in Patzcuaro

We invite you to check more post in our blog, you will find information about Patzcuaro and its surroundings, that we hope will be useful for your next trip to our colonial town in Mexico:


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Hotel Mansión Iturbe
Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
61600 Pátzcuaro, Michoacán.
México



Tel: +52 (434) 342 0368 / 342 3628
Fax: +52(434) 342 3627
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