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city's layout is a well planned grid design, with a central
square. Shopping, Museums, and historic attractions are
within a few blocks of the square. Aside from its historical
attractions, Morelia is also the cultural, educational and
political center of the state. Some of the main attractions
are
Plaza de Armas
o de los Mártires - The central square was
planned out between 1540 and 1546 by the Spanish. It is
surrounded by colonial buildings and arched galleries including
numerous cafes, restaurants, shops and other businesses.
The cathedral,
with its beautiful ornate facade. It towers over 70 meters
and dominates the skyline. It has a large organ containing
4,600 pipes.
Bosque Cuauhtémoc
is a wooded recreational park known as the Bosque Cuauhtemoc
home to the Museums of Natural History and Contemporary
Art.
The Government
Palace, built in 1732. This building was home to
the Tridentate Seminary and was the ideological cradle of
the Independence. Inside it, are valuable oil portraits
and a mural with a historic theme painted by Alfredo Zalce.
Mercado de
Dulces y Artesanias Is a candy and handicrafts market
where you can find all kinds of local sweets and crafts.
Benito Juarez
Zoo - Morelia's zoo is the best zoo in mexico holding
the largest collection of species in the country.
Museums
Mask Museum
- The Mask museum is part of the Templo y Ex-convento del
Carmen. Built in 1593, this structure underwent several
restorations and was eventually converted into the Morelian
Cultural Institute for workshops and exhibits.
Museo Casa
de Morelos - This mansion was the birthplace of Jose
Maria y Pavon one of the heroes of Mexican Independence.
It was built in 1758 and was later destroyed in 1888. The
present-day building is from late 19th century. It was remolded
and reconditioned for cultural purposes in 1964. It is now
a museum displaying historical artifacts and documents
Some of the other important museums of
Morelia are Museum of Colonial Art Located in the building
which housed Morelias first printing press in 1821. Museum
of Contemporary Art Alfredo Zalce, Museum of Geology and
Mineralogy, Museum of Natural History, Regional Michoacan
Museum and the State Museum which holds sections on archaeology,
history and ethnology. .
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