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Patzcuaro Michoacan, Mexico
Patzcuaro is a cultural and artisan
center for the State of Michoacan, Mexico. The original name was
"Tzacapu-ansucutinpatzcuaro" that is translated as "door
to heaven" or "place where the blackness begins"
The beautiful central plaza remains a tribute to its namesake,
Vasco de Quiroga moved the capital from Tzintzuntzan to the beautiful
mountain city of Patzcuaro in 1533 and built a large basilica.
He also founded the Colegio de San Nicolas Obispo in Patzcuaro.
Patzcuaro (PAHTZ-kwah-roh) is a small colonial gem in the state
of Michoacan, a land of immense natural beauty. Michoacan's countryside
is a vast expanse of rolling hills, deep lakes, winding rivers
and green valleys. Patzcuaro is found on hills above one of the
lakes; Lake Patzcuaro. Volcanic activity and the state's latitude
position helps create a setting not unlike Hawaii. Rich soil supports
lush jungle-like vegetation, with spectacular mountain landscapes,
and velveteen pasturelands. The state has few large cities, but
rather is a quilt of small villages and towns that have changed
little since the early 1800's . Its pace is leisurely, its people
friendly, and its Spanish colonial and indigenous heritage rich.
This historical mountain town is an easy 3 1/2 hour drivefrom
the famous Pacific Ocean seaside resorts of Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa
and Troncones. Many historical fountains adorn the city. A multitude
of churches, plazas and shrines make this a truly great historical
destination. Patzcuaro is famous for its sidewalk cafes and great
restaurants. Small and large market places line the plazas and
ancient side streets. Woven tablecloths, trays, carved and finely
painted furniture, and gold laminated handwork are among the treasures
to be found in this colonial setting. |
PATZCUARO
ARCHAEOLOGICAL & SIGHTSEEING LOCATIONS
Ihuatzio, Michoacan:
Following along Lake Patzcuaro you can find the
Ihuatzio archaeological site, Tzintzuntzan, once the capital of the
Purepecha empire and now a major handicraft center with vegetable fiber
weaving and carved wood. It is also the site of a sixteenth century
Franciscan convent. Ihuatzio comes from the Purepecha language and means
'Place of the Coyotes'. Ihuatzio is located in the eastern reaches of
the Patzcuaro Lake Basin on the slope of a hill.
Quiroga, Michoacan:
Nearby Quiroga is an active handicrafts center
where products from nearly the entire state are sold. Santa Fe de La
Laguna, a producer of clay, black earthenware and hand painted pots,
candleholders and planters is a short distance down the road from Quiroga.
Tingambato, Michoacan
The name of this archological site comes from
the Tarascan language and means "hill of temperate climate".
To date only a small part of the site has been explored and surveyed.
This site dates earlier than sites settled by the Tarascans or the Purepechas.
Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan
This archological site is located about 100 km
from the city of Morelia . Tzintzutzan is one of the largest and most
important excavation sites in the state of Michoacan. This was the capital
city of the Tarascan Empire. This site was inhabited between 1200 and
1521 A.D.
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(CLICK TO ENLARGE THE PHOTO).
PATZCUARO MICHOACAN MEXICO
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Patzcuaro
Mexico rests 5 kms. south of the shore of tranquil Lake Patzcuaro. It
is 58 kms. southwest of Morelia, and midpoint between Morelia and Uruapan.
It is a beautiful town (population 45,000) with graceful colonial architecture,
vibrant native markets, and a strong Indian village atmosphere.
Bishop Vasco de Quiroga did his most important work here and led a building
boom in the 16th century that left several splendid colonial buildings.
The city has two central plazas and several smaller squares. A jumbled
series of narrow cobbled lanes wind past former colonial era mansions. |
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Total visits since OCT 25, 2002!
7,389,396
*Total combined visits
Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa-Troncones-Patzcuaro
Portals
*Note. Zip sites for Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa-Troncones-Patzcuaro are independent
linked sites. The Combined visit total is updated once a week
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SISTER
DESTINATIONS
Patzcuaro is just a 3 hour drive
by car or Bus from the fabulous beach resorts of Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa,
Troncones & Barra de Potosi located in the adjoining state of Guerrero
Mexico. This offers a truly unique opportunity for both residents and
visitors from both areas to enjoy both the ancient mountain culture
and architecture of Patzcuaro and the nearby beach and fishing communities
on the nearby Pacific coast. We highly recommend you take advantage
on this unique opportunity to add variety to your vacations. |
Portals
Zihuatanejo
Mexico | Ixtapa Mexico | Troncones
Mexico | Patzcuaro Mexico | Barra de Potosi Mexico
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Mexico General
Information | | |