Morelia

Morelia's historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, recognised for its well-preserved colonial architecture in pink quarry stone — including a cathedral, an aqueduct, churches, and convents built across the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. The capital of Michoacán state in western Mexico, it was founded in 1541 as Valladolid and renamed after independence hero José María Morelos, who was born here. The compact centre is walkable, with a strong café and restaurant scene, and the city serves as a practical base for the wider region.

• Population743,275
• Nearest water from center1.2 km
• Nearest mountain from center3.6 km
• UNESCO within 50 km1