So You Have Only One Day to Spend in Pátzcuaro?
Pátzcuaro is one of Michoacán’s “Pueblos Mágicos” (“Magical Villages”), and one of the typical tourist destinations in Mexico.
It is best to visit Pátzcuaro
calmly and live the hospitality of its people. It is a Pueblo Mágico
with its own magnetism – a calming place for those who want to disconnect from
the hustle and bustle of the city life and connect with the traditions,
history, and nature of its surroundings.
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| Dance of the Old Men in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán |
And what if you have only one day to
visit this charming town? Well, there is plenty to fill one day with
unforgettable memories of one of the most coveted destinations in the entire
country!
Below are a few of our recommendations,
using Hotel Mansión Iturbe as a point of departure. The venues in
proximity to our hotel is staggering, and the best part is that they are so
close, they are all accessible on foot, and easily in one single day.
Walking through the center of Pátzcuaro, you will discover the history of one of the oldest towns in Mexico. During your walk, you will have time to browse various craft shops, where you will surely find something to take back home.
1. The Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
is located right in front of our Hotel Mansión Iturbe, so you can’t miss
it! It is one of the most beautiful squares in this part of the
world. In addition to impressing our visitors by its sheer magnitude, it
is surrounded by beautiful mansions and other buildings that include the former
City Hall, Casa del Gigante (a private residence), Palacio de Huitziméngari,
and Mansión Iturbe itself, which was the House of Commerce in the 18th century.
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga en Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
This square is also known by the locals
simply as “Plaza Grande.” It is the heart of the town. If
there is something to celebrate, it is done here, where the life of Pátzcuaro
is palpable.
Surrounded by portals, you will find
craft shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels, as well as the famous and traditional
pasta ice creams on the western side.
2. La Casa de los Once Patios
(“House of the Eleven Patios”) is actually a former Dominican convent of the 18th century.
It is the place to find and observe fine handicrafts of
Pátzcuaro and the entire Region. You will meet many famous artisans
recognized for their contributions to folk art throughout Mexico. It is
accessible from Calle Doctor Coss (Dr. Coss Street), just off the eastern side
of the Plaza Grande.
House of the Eleven Patios in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
3. Walk out Hotel Mansión Iturbe
and immediately turn left, stroll up the hill one block, and you will find El Templo del Sagrario – one of the most photographed spots of our Pueblo
Mágico, with its many arches running along the sidewalk. Don Vasco de Quiroga founded the “Hospital de Santa Martha” in the middle of the 16th century.
The famous figure of the Virgen de la Salud de Pátzcuaro, which
is now in the Basílica, was in the Templo del Sagrario for 150 years beginning
in 1603.
Pátzcuaro, Michoacán Templo del Sagrario
4. El Templo de la Compañía is
another beautiful temple built, between 1540 and 1546. It is across the street
from the Sagrario arches. It was a “cathedral” from 1546 to 1565, when
the Jesuits took it over. Check out the ancient old wooden floors and its
beautiful winding wooden staircase leading upward to where the pipe organ used
to be.
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| Templo de la Compañia, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán |
5. Centro Cultural Antiguo Colegio
Jesuita is located to the left of the Templo de la Compañía. It’s an
experience in itself to visit this 16th building. The
many permanent and temporary exhibition rooms and active workshops are previous
classrooms. There are beautiful views of the surroundings through the
windows. There is also a small theater on the first floor (to your left
as soon as you enter the building) that is used for piano recitals, and other
activities.
Antiguo Colegio Jesuita Cultural Center in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
In 1543 it became the Royal College of
San Nicolás Obispo, when King Carlos I of Spain issued a Royal Decree naming it
such. The college eventually moved to Morelia, when the Episcopal Residence
changed its Headquarters and joined it to what was the College of San Miguel
Guayangareo. In the end it would become what is currently the Michoacán
University of San Nicolas de Hidalgo.
Today you can enjoy the folk art with a
collection of pieces from different parts of our region, We recommend you visit
the Troje (traditional dwelling) and see some figures
of indigenous traditional cuisine of the time. They hold temporary exhibitions
and conferences in these areas.
Museo de Artes e Industrias Populares in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
7. The Basilica of Our Lady ofHealth of Pátzcuaro is a mandatory stop, just a block north of the museo. Many of our visitors who come to our Magical Town from different parts of Mexico and other countries specifically to visit the Virgin. She was made of corn cane paste more than 500 years ago. She was made by the indigenous at the request of Don Vasco de Quiroga. The Basilica was originally part of a much larger project in which there were to be five naves.
The Basilica of our Lady of Health in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
8. The Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra
(“Plaza Chica”) is located right one block directly north of the Plaza Grande.
In the center of the plaza, you can see a statue in honor of this illustrious
woman from Pátzcuaro, heroine of Independence, who participated as a messenger
and tried to facilitate the entry of the insurgents to Pátzcuaro.
Gertrudis Bocanegra Square in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
9. The gigantic Mural of the History of Michoacán was painted by Juan O'Gorman and is located inside the
Gertrudis Bocanegra Public Library, located in what was formerly the Temple of
San Agustín on the northern side of the “Plaza Chica” (one block north of the
Plaza Grande). Through this mural, you can see important passages of the
history of Michoacán, including the creation of the land (according to the
traditions of the Purépecha people), daily life, rites, the time of the
conquest, the presence of Don Vasco de Quiroga, and the time of Independence
with the image of Don José María Morelos y Pavón.
Gertrudis Bocanegra Square in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
Pátzcuaro, has many more attractions to visit, of course, but you must eat
something to keep you going! Reserve time on your schedule to familiarize
yourself with some of our delicacies at our own Doña Paca Restaurant, or
one of the excellent restaurants in the downtown area.
We suggest you chat with a knowledgeable
guest about what is available, or Goodle things like:
- charales
- corundas
- uchepos
- filete de pescado rebosado,
- enchiladas placeras
- aporreadillo
- churipo
- Miguiche
and find something interesting that
appeals to you! (Wikipedia will translate to English for you in most
cases.)
*Pictures, video and text property of Hotel Mansion Iturbe.
We invte you to check more post in 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:
Janitzio, the Legendary Island of Lake Patzcuaro
Other Pueblos Mágicos near Patzcuaro
Six Artisan Crafts Routes of Pátzcuaro
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