04 · 15 · 14 Historic Center of Morelia, World Heritage Site Share with twitter Share with facebook Share with mail Copy to clipboard Michoacán has the greatest number of World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO (United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture) than any other state in Mexico. Among these is the historic center of Morelia, where most of the activities of FICM have taken place for the past 11 years. UNESCO’s World Heritage Program began in 1972 with the aim to catalogue, preserve and make known sites of exceptional cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity. It operates with the understanding that unique and spectacular places such as the Serengeti, the pyramids of Egypt, the barrier reef of Australia, and the baroque cathedrals of Latin America belong to humanity, that is, it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve them. Each year, the World Heritage Committee, made up of representatives of 21 countries, select specific sites in the world to include in the list. Once a place is considered part of the program, it can receive funding from UNESCO for its protection. Morelia’s historic center was named a World Heritage Site in 1991 due to the following features: 1. Morelia offers an outstanding example of urban planning in which the concepts of the Spanish Renaissance merge with the Mesoamerican experience. Its streets, perfectly adapted to the slopes of the hill, conserve their original layout. 2. The architectural life of the city can be seen in its more than 200 historic buildings. Built with rose-colored stone characteristic of the region, these monuments reveal the masterly and eclectic blend of the medieval spirit with elements of the renaissance, baroque and neo-classic period. 3. Morelia was the birthplace of several important figures of the Mexican Independence movement and played an important role in the country’s history. Those who attend FICM witness that the festival’s charm not only lies in the films offered, but also in the unique beauty of its host city. Considering that Easter vacation is approaching, we recommend that you visit Morelia. Go to some of the 249 monuments in its historic center, marvel at the baroque facades of the religious buildings, enjoy the excellent local cuisine and discover why this Mexican city is considered a World Heritage Site. Check out interesting places to visit in Morelia: here.
