[The catedral in Morelia, Michoacan, from the Plaza Ocampo; March 24, 2006]
Julio, who we met in Guanajuato last year, had told us about the cantera rosa, the pink volcanic stone, that was used for many of the buildings in Morelia's historic center. Like rose-colored glasses, it lends a tranquil, all's-right-with-the-world air to the city, an attitude that also seems to have rubbed off on its citizens. The catedral, built between 1640 and 1745, is said to be the most beautiful in Mexico (according to Frommers). At night it is lit up, making it even more dominant in the city center. (Like the town of Guanajuato, which we visited last year, Morelia's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.)
A couple of blocks from the catedral there's also the lovely Templo de Las Monjas...
[Facade of the Templo de Las Monjas; March 24, 2006]
Next to Las Monjas is the Palacio Federal, with its beautiful murals (click on any photo to view it larger)...
[Palacio Federal, Morelia; March 26, 2006]
[Palacio Federal, Morelia; March 26, 2006]
Continue down the Avenida Madero and you reach the colonial aqueduct. Built between 1785-89, there are 253 arches designed to bring water to the city from hillside springs almost a mile away [link].
[Fuente las Tarascas - fountain still fed by the aqueduct; see also here]
[Acueducto, in the Plaza Villalongin; March 24, 2006]
It is interesting to contemplate what effect the color of stone has on those living there! I think we are affected more by our surroundings than most people give credit for. Or maybe it's just people like me! ;-)
Posted by: MB | Monday, April 10, 2006 at 11:58 AM
Yeah, me too. Blue skies and sunshine don't hurt either!
Posted by: leslee | Monday, April 10, 2006 at 12:14 PM
gorgeous murals at the federal palace! thanks for sharing them!
Posted by: Lisa | Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 01:38 AM
My pleasure!
Posted by: leslee | Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 10:09 AM
Morelia sounds like heaven, Leslee! That sitting outside thing has always been my favorite activity in town or city, and when i did live in town I was frustrated at all the ways the poice and small business owners worked to discourage the growth of a healthy street culture. (One of the things that keeps our homeless in such a wretched state is their inability to peddle without a license.) If we gringos had more of an outdoors culture - and better public transportation systems that allowed city dwellers to more easily visit the countryside - I'd seriously consider becoming an urban dweller. As it is, if I ever go to Mexico, it might be with a one-way ticket in hand.
Posted by: Dave | Sunday, April 16, 2006 at 07:17 AM
You'd love Mexico, Dave. Although all the color might challenge your gray preference, and might win you over, too. That and the tequila.
Posted by: leslee | Monday, April 17, 2006 at 06:37 PM