Morelia is one of the most well-preserved pre-Hispanic historic sites in the world. The city, which served as a Spanish settlement during the 16th century, houses some of the best remnants of that time.
The design
As you roams around the heritage buildings, it is easy to see the beauty of the downtown area built in an urban design with streets, parks, neighborhoods, gardens, etc. Further insight on the way the city was developed shows how the entire area is based on the chessboard pattern from the main street known today as 'Avenida Madero', that runs east to west. This also served as the main line to the ancient city of Valladolid, which was named so by the Spanish families that came to establish their homes on main street to be as close as possible to the main park & the local Cathedral.
The old Calle Real (Royal street)
As you walk the main street from the east at 'Las Tarascas' fountain to the main square 'Plaza de Armas', the bell towers of the local Cathedral will always seem to be at or near your line of sight; this was done on purpose and is a great architectural phenomena. Furthermore, depending on the season, you can also see the contrast of sunlight and shades on the buildings, corners, and parks that create beautiful imagery around the city. What's more, even before you reach the main church, you will see other bell towers while realizing that the street sometimes goes into different neighborhoods since every church is a community within the city.
Don´t miss the width of the main street as you keep walking; notice how it gets wider towards the main square with bigger and taller homes.
Despite the way new buildings are setting here, the local architecture continues to follow certain lines and height. As a matter of fact, some Catholic constructions will be set at the end of the street (end of the walk) to reach the church or a building related to it. Even in the present day, this is considered a seal of the city that people can observe and take pictures of while standing in the middle line of streets facing different churches.
The Cathedral
Over the years, Morelia has witnessed the arrival of various Catholic groups, who came to establish themselves in the town and built their own church. While the churches face North, the Cathedral, hierarchy of the main church in hands of a Bishop stands in the center as the ultimate Catholic place of worship. The construction of this pink stone establishment began in 1660 by Italians, and was completed by the Mexicans in 1744.
While visitors to Oaxaca, Puebla or Mexico City see churches facing the main square, in Morelia, the main church faces the main street in the middle of the main plaza (a large rectangle) like an island, with a park on both sides; an extremely new urban concept in the Americas during that time. Presently known as the third largest and most important in the country, the Cathedral took 84 years to be constructed, and is a very powerful aspect of the city, with an Archbishop recently named cardinal by Pope Francisco.
Preservation of Morelia's past
Till date, the historic district is divided into four sectors (sections) in a good balance of size and number of buildings from the main corner at 'Madero' & 'Morelos' streets, which are the East-West and North-South axis of the city. As far as preservation goes, most of the streets, monuments, and buildings of Morelia can be found in a good state of conservation thanks to a permanent program to preserve its architecture.
While visiting, get a city map at the tourist office as soon as you check in at any of the comfortable hotels in downtown Morelia, and enjoy the walk across this marvelous city!