Morelia

In Morelia, Mexico, the cathedral’s pink stone towers have stood for more than 250 years, surviving earthquakes and revolutions. During Mexico’s War of Independence, fighting reached the city’s edge, and the cathedral witnessed turbulent times that shaped the nation’s future.

Founded in 1541 by Spanish colonists and originally called Valladolid, Morelia became a center of power and education in colonial New Spain. Its 16th-century streets, laid out in a tidy grid, reflect Renaissance ideas of urban design. The city was renamed in 1828 to honor José María Morelos, a local priest turned military leader who helped lead Mexico’s independence movement.

The revolution left deep marks here. In 1813, the Battle of Lomas de Santa María took place just outside the city, where Morelos’s forces fought bravely but were forced to retreat. Even after the battle, Morelia’s colleges continued to shape thinkers and reformers whose ideas helped define the new Mexican nation.

By the late 1800s, under President Porfirio Díaz, Morelia had become one of Mexico’s most refined cities. Opera, ornate mansions, and a lively student culture flourished, much of which still defines its character today.

Walking through Morelia feels like stepping in time. The UNESCO-listed historic center glows rose-gold at sunset, thanks to its cantera-stone buildings. The 18th-century aqueduct, with 253 arches stretching for more than a mile, remains one of Mexico’s most impressive examples of colonial engineering.

Parents will love the relaxed plazas and the city’s easy pace. Kids will be drawn to the street musicians, candy shops, and local treats like gazpacho moreliano, a mix of diced fruit, chili, and cheese that’s popular across the city.

Visit in October for the Morelia International Film Festival, when the city transforms into a giant open-air cinema. Or come for Día de los Muertos, when nearby Pátzcuaro and Janitzio Island glow with candles and marigolds.