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.

Nestled amongst rolling hills, tranquil lakes, dormant volcanoes and Indian Villages in the Central Highlands.

Pátzcuaro is about 45 minutes from Morelia, and only 3-4 hours from Guadalajara, Mexico
City, Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. Pátzcuaro is famous for its Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, rich artisan crafts and the quaint Isla Janitzio in Lake Pátzcuaro.

Pátzcuaro is a true colonial jewel where baroque and neo-classical style religious monuments can be appreciated. Buildings of adobe and tile create a harmonious atmosphere with plazas and fountains. The people are always amiable and create an enchanting environment that invites you to return again and again.

The main attractions in Pátzcuaro are: the Our Lady of Health Basilica, the Museum of Industrial and Popular Art, the Compañía de Jesús Temple and College, House of Eleven Patios (old convent of the Dominican nuns), Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, the old San Agustín Convent, and the San Francisco Temple.

Some places on the outskirts of Pátzcuaro are Zacapu, considered to be the first home of the Purépecha, Santa Fe de la Laguna, the colonial town of Erongarícuaro, and Santa Clara del Cobre, which is world famous for its copper work.

Religious Architecture - The Virgin of the health basilica stands out builded on top of a hill from the XVI century and where the Don Vasco de Quiroga's remains are; the Company convent (s.XVI); the Humilladero (s.XVII); the San Francisco temple (s.XVI).

Handcrafts - You'll find beautiful crafts made in gold incursions, jewelry, furniture and hand-made embroidery. Friday is "tianguis" day.

Festivities - The regional fair in honor of the health virgin, (Dec 2 to 16); the party of the "yuntas adornadas" (may 3rd); the procession of Christ on good Friday; the bless day to the animals (January 17); and the typical festivities on the deaths' night (November 1.)

Gastronomy - The nieve (ice cream), sold near the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, is a delightful treat. There are many different flavors. Patzcuaro also has the delicious white fish to offer to the tourists.

Museums - The Popular Arts Museum was seat of the San Nicolás College during the XVI century, which was transfered to Valladolid (today Morelia) afterwards giving origin to the Michoacan's University of San Nicolás de Hidalgo.

Interesting place - This town is located in the lakeside with the same name and the view is one of the most typical and beautiful of the Mexican landscape. (Janitzio Island).

Historical site - It was founded by Curatame on 1324 and rebuild by Tariacuri on 1362, it was the capital city and the ceremonial center of the tarascan kingdom. Vasco de Quiroga was in charge to reorganize after the conquest following orders by Charles V.

Art - Inside the virgin of the health basilica you'll find a statue of this virgin made with the cane of the corn or yatzingueni in 1583.