Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Morelia, Heart of Mexico
Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, Morelia's over 1,000 historic pink stone buildings buildings reflect a eclectic blend of Renaissance, Baroque, and neoclassical architecture. The Centro Historico encompasses about 140 blocks and corresponds roughly to the city's urban area at the end of the 18th century.
Founded as the "City of Michoacan" on May 18, 1541 by the first viceroy of New Spain, Antonio de Mendoza, it was settled by fifty noble Spanish families and by their servants, the Purepecha Indians from Patzcuaro. In 1545 the name was changed first to Valladolid and then to Morelia in 1828 to honor Jose Maria Morelos, one of the leaders in the of the War of Independence from Spain.
Exploring is easy since almost everything is within walking distance of main square. Your first stop should be the Cathedral, begun in 1660 but not completed until 1744. The church's twin towers in the Baroque style are a landmark, and its best known treasure is a 16th century corn paste statue of the Senor de la Sacristia with its gold crown donated by Philip II of Spain. The 4,600 pipe German organ is the star of the annual International Organ Festival.
While in the area, stroll over to the Palacio de Gobierno, once a Tridentine Seminary, and now a seat of State government. Walk up the staircase and view the mural by Alfredo Zalce which depicts local themes.
Exiting the cathedral, walk down Francisco I Madero and turn right on Nigromante. The Palacio Clavijero is on your left. The seat of the city government offices, the austere baroque building was a former Jesuit college.
Beyond the Palacio, the Templo and Conservatoria de las Rosas houses the first music conservatory in North America. Originally the convent of La Merced, it was named for the practice of young female students throwing roses from the cloisters to their suitors on the street. While I was there, a rehearsal was underway for the annual International Morelia Music Festival. The Baroque instruments of harpsichord, flute and violin made beautiful harmonies in the old church.
So many of Morelia's buildings are worth a stop. It's only limited by your time and endurance: the Aqueduct and Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel; the nearby Santuario de Nuesrtra de Guadalupe, an 18th century church with intriguing interior paintings and carvings; the Museo Regional Michoacan on Allende which display artifacts relating to the state's ecology and history; the Templo de la Compania de Jesus, a 17th century church; and the Casa Natal de Morelos, where Independence hero Jose Maria Morelos was born in 1765.
Two blocks west of the Portales, along Madero, is the famous block-long arcaded Mercado de Dulces (Candy Market). Morelia is famous for its sweets, and the market stocks a rainbow of choices from my favorite, ate, a chewy tamarind paste to peanut marzipan.
Before returning to your hotel, stop at the Casa de Artesanias on Fray Juan de San Miguel, Once the 16th century Convento de San Buenaventura, it has been restored to a showcase for Michoacan's rich craft tradition. You'll find the best of the best here, and I dare you to come away without just one item.
If you want to be in the thick of things, I'd recommend booking one of the hotels right on the plaza like the Hotel Alameda, but there are a wide variety of other accommodations including spas and bed and breakfasts.
Restaurants run from cafes to fine dining. A great place for authentic Michoacan food is Lu's Restaurant at the Hotel Casino. For an unusual experience, go to San Miguelito Restaurant with its eccentric decor. Every square inch of wall space is covered with figures of San Antonio upside down. Apparently, there is a legend that if you bring an image of the saint and position it in the inverse, your wish will be granted. For proof, ask to see their collection of testimonials.
Contact:
General information:
www.http://www.michoacan-travel.com/eng_mor_aprincipal.htm
www.mexconnect.com/.../201-introduction-to-michoacán-the-soul-of-mexico
Boutique Hotels:
www.tesorosmichoacan.com
Restaurants:
See general info
www.sanmiguelito.com.mx/Htm/ (Spanish)
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Patzcuaro: Where Gods Descend
An old guidebook lists Patzcuaro as a town frequently visited by tourists. Today's publications might not be as generous, and that is a shame since the small colonial city in Michoacan is a jewel and has been named one of Mexico's Magic Towns. A recent business trip took me to Morelia, the capital of the state, and with some time to explore, I drove the 33 miles into the hills.
Writer Edna Fergusson aptly describes the place in her book Fiesta in Mexico: "a colonial town which retreats into soft hills away from the Indian lake." Before the Spanish conquest Patzcuaro was one of three principal centers for the Purepecha Indians. Settled about 1324 by Rey Cuarteme, the indigenous population called it "the city of stones" and believed it to have been the doorway to heaven where the gods ascended and descended.
True to form, the early Spanish occupation was brutal. Nuno Guzman de Baltran visited many atrocities on the Purepecha including burning alive the local chief when he wouldn't disclose where the Indian gold was hidden. Guzman's crimes were so egregious that the Spanish authorities were forced to arrest him. In his place they sent Vasco de Quiroga, who became somewhat of a local saint, establishing schools, hospitals, and introducing the craft cooperatives in nearby villages. Although those cooperatives did not survive as such, many villages surrounding Patzuaro still specialize, making the area one of the most culturally rich in Mexico.
The town itself is in the high sierra at an altitude of 7,130 feet. Most of the buildings are single story adobe or plaster over brick with red tile roofs. The central plaza, Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, is locally known simply as Plaza Grande. A statue of the region's benefactor stands in the center, and small shops ring the square.
A short distance from the plaza the Casa de los Once Patios (House of Eleven Patios) is being transformed from its previous existence as a Dominican nunnery into studios for artisans. Many local stores specialize in embroidery and lacquerwork.
Patzcuaro is known for its Dance of the Viejitos (Old Men). Brandishing canes, spryly cavorting, and flirting with the young girls, the dancers wear colorful masks designed to mimic wrinkled ancients. The troop performs at the Posada de Don Vasco on Wednesday and Saturday nights and on many weekends at the Plaza Grande. If you are lucky and a good bargain hunter, you might be able to buy one of the hand-carved masks at one of the local emporiums.
East of downtown the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Salud (Basilica of Our Lady of Health) was built by Bishop Quiroga between 1546 and 1554 as a cathedral, but only one nave was completed. It contains a statue of Our Lady made of wild orchids and thick corn paste, a technique typical of Indian sacral art. Quiroga also build the Cathedral of Michoacan in 1546. Today it is the Jesuit church. South of the basilica the Colegio de San Nicolas, founded in 1540 by Quiroga, now houses the Museum of Popular Arts and Archaeology with exhibits of carvings, pottery, weaving and artifacts.
No description of Patzucuaro would be complete without a mention of beautiful Lake Patzcuaro and its islands: Janitzio, Jaracuaro, Uranden, Pacanda, Yunuen, and Tecuena. The large shallow lake is home to the Indian fishermen with their much-photographed butterfly nets. To reach any of the islands, go to the muelles (docks) to catch a boat. The wood launches depart on a semi-regular schedule, and you can purchase tickets at a dockside office.
Janitizio island is almost 100 percent Purepecha and is the site of one of Mexico's most famous Day of the Dead festivals. If you decide to visit the island, be prepared for a long, steep hike to the summit where the huge, primitive statue of revolutionary leader Jose Maria Morelos crowns the rocky hill. On our visit, we did not land on Janitizio due to time constraints, but did take the ride to photograph the fishermen, who were netting tips, not fish.
In addition to the attractions in the town and on the lake, Patzcuaro is surrounded by small villages specializing in crafts. My favorite is Santa Clara del Cobre, 13 miles from city center. Although the local copper mines are no longer active, artisans still make everything from napkin rings to cooking vessels using recycled copper. At the Museo del Cobre you can watch while the ore is heated, pounded into ingots, and finally hammered into desired shapes with one of three finishes: high shine, fire bloom, or unpolished. The owners speak English and can take you through the whole process or advise you on purchases from their large selection. I came away with a pot for fudge or whipping egg whites and a large repousse platter. If you don't find what you want at the Museo, there are 50 other shops from which to choose.
Tzintzuntzan is worth the 11 mile drive to visit the remains of the 16th century Franciscan monastery with its ancient olive trees and for its main street market selling Indian made ceramics and basketry crafts. Don't miss the Las Yacatas archaeological site on a rise overlooking the town and the lake. The peaceful site was the last stronghold of the prehistoric Purepecha people, and for a small fee you can stroll the grassy knoll with its reconstructed stone step pyramids and outline of the emperor's house.
Patzcuaro and vicinity has some culinary specialties: sopa tarasca, a local variation of tortilla soup; coronas, pyramid shaped tamales; fish, especially charales, the tiny lake fish eaten whole; and in nearby Quiroga, carnitas, a lard confit of all parts of the pig stewed in a copper pot and served on a bun. Not for the faint of heart.
Where I stayed and dined:
Hotel Posada de Dan Vasco (El Tarasco Restaurant), Av. Lazaro Lardenas, 450, Col. Centro, Patzcuaro, Michoacan. (01-52) 434-342-02-27. Lovely but not easy walking distance to town, approximately 2 miles.
Mansion de Suenos (Priscills'a Restaurant), Ibarra No. 15 Centro, Patzcuaro, Michoacan 61600. 01-434-342-57-08. www.prismas.com.mx
El Rey de las Carnitas, Portal Hidalgo No. 6, Quiroga, Michoacan. (01 454) 354 03 50.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
