Morelia is considered the aristocrat of colonial cities. You will find a few modern buildings, but mostly the architecture has been kept in the traditions of Old Spain. Wide polished-stone streets and stately buildings give this city its special attraction.

Mexico's first viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza, founded the city in 1541 and named it Valladolid after his home in Spain. After Mexico's War of Independence, the city was named Morelia in honor of a local hero, José María Morelos. In the center of town, the lovely Plaza de los Mártires is the focal point of town life. It is flanked on one side by the cathedral, constructed of pink stone, with twin towers 200 feet high. It took more than 200 years to build and is one of the most beautiful in the country.