-Public Library, Former San Agustin Convent: Its
main treasure, besides its bibliographical relics, is a splendid
mural by painter Juan O'Gorman, who depicted with his strokes the
history of the State of Michoacán. In that work, made between 1941
and 1942, natives, conquistadors and friars can be appreciated,
with the image of bishop Vasco de Quiroga, the benefactor of the
natives, standing out.
The library was founded in 1938. Its seat was established on the remains of an Agustin temple of 1576, the same that was in excellent conditions until the implementation of the anticlerical laws of the government of the Reform (XIX century), which motivated the abandonment of the precinct.
The Emperor Caltzontzin Theatre is beside the library, which is located facing the Gertrudis Bocanegra Plaza.
-Sanctuary of Guadalupe: It was built in the early
XIX century. It is of neoclassical style and its main attraction
is an enormous belfry that keeps four of the seven sculptures it
displayed originally, artworks that depict the virtues of charity,
temperance, fortitude and faith.
If you wish to watch the magnificent panorama of
Patzcuaro,
you can climb the extremely thin tower of the Sanctuary of Guadalupe,
a work accomplished by architect Francisco Eduardo Tres Guerras
commissioned by Felipe Ramos, a freed slave who became a powerful
trader.
It is located on the corner of Codallos and Ramos Streets.
-Temple of San Francisco: It treasures important
colonial religious artworks, with an outstanding image of a Christ,
made of corn cane in the XIX century, that represents the venerated
Lord of the Third Order; and a painting with the images of the Pope
and Saint Francis of Assisi.
The temple was built in the XVI century and it shows eclectic features, though its façade is indisputably a Spanish classical. A most peculiar detail is in that its doors have been catalogued as one of the most beautiful renaissance works in the City.
It is located on Federico Tena Street.
-Chapel of the Christ of the Humbler (El Humilladero):
It was built in the XVII century in the place where bishop Vasco
de Quiroga had established a humbler, name by which the small chapels
or crosses put on royal roads were known. When travellers went by
one of these, they would kneel with true devotion before them.
Other versions point out that it was at this place where Tangaxuán II, the last caltzontzin (Purepacha or Tarasco ruler) laid down his arms before the Spanish army, and that that is why the zone is scornfully called the humbler.
Laying these theories aside, it is known for certain that it is
the oldest religious building in
Patzcuaro. It
is also known with the name of Chapel of the Christ, due to a delicate
sculpture of crucified Jesus worked entirely (body and cross) from
a monolithic quarry stone.
It is located on the old road to Morelia, beside the pantheon.
-El Estribo: It is a beautiful vantage point that
unveils an incredible panorama of
Patzcuaro and
its huge lake before your eyes; you can even appreciate the islands
of Janitzio, Yunuén and Tecuena, besides some neighbouring towns
and the crater of an extinct volcano, from up there.
It is located west of the City.
-Patzcuaro Lake and its Islands: It is a splendid
lake, enormous and full of life, with 9 islands inhabited by peoples
of millenarian roots that have fishing as their main source of income.
Anciently this activity was realised with the so called "butterfly
nets", due to their resemblance with the wings of this funny lepidopteron.
Nowadays these nets are used on the celebration of the Night of
the Dead only. The beautiful ritual was immortalised in the lyrics
of a well-known popular song, written by famous Agustin Lara, the
"Poet Musician". The melody is part of
Patzcuaro's
musical patrimony.
Patzcuaro Lake is considered to be one of the highest
in Mexico and the habitat of the white fish, the main ingredient
on the delicious dishes in the zone. Its maximum length is of 20
kilometres and its top width is of 14 thousand metres, while its
depths reach 50 metres. It is beside the City.
- Janitzio Island (Corn Bristle): It is in the south
part of the Lake and 20 minutes away from the pier. It is the
largest one and it is said that the treasures of the Purepachas
(Tarascos) rulers are still hidden within its territory; but
its main attraction is a 40 metre high monument in honour of
José María Morelos y Pavón.
An indigenous community, descendant of the ancient Purepachas, inhabits it. They keep some of their old habits, and sitting up with the dead is the most important celebration, a ritual on which, amongst other things, the fishermen sail out with their candle lighten boats to cast their butterfly nets.
- Jarácuaro Island (Worshipping Place of God Xaragua):
It is located 18 kilometres away from the Lake's west bank,
and it can be visited without the need of embarking on a boat
for it is connected to the shore with a pedestrian and vehicular
bridge.
In pre-Hispanic times the goddess Xaratanga (lunar deity) was worshipped on this island, and even though the cult is lost, the current settlers still keep the Purepacha language and customs.
You should not miss the XVI century temple and the Chapel of the Nativity.
- La Pacanda Island (Drag Under Water): It is in the
middle of the Lake and 35 minutes away from the pier; it is
the second largest island after Janitzio. It has a circular
shape with a gorgeous lagoon on its centre, where carps, a fish
proper of the zone, and wild ducks are abundant. Its even topography
allows agricultural activities.
- Yunuén Island (Half Moon): At only 30 minutes from
the pier. It stands out due to its old constructions, which
reflect the cultural inheritance of its inhabitants, and its
dense vegetation, always green, always fresh.
Those who set foot on this island do so on a picturesque pier beside a pretty old lighthouse. From here you have to go to the welcoming cabins of the island, where you will enjoy a pleasant stay.
- Los Urandenes Islands (The Trays): They are three
isles interconnected by canals of great prettiness, which serve
as a refuge for the largest populations of white fish. They
are located 10 minutes away from Patzcuaro's
pier.
Fishermen who master the butterfly nets (though they only use it on festivities or tourist representations) and great rowers, whose abilities have been demonstrated at several international championships, inhabit these isles.
- Tecuena island (Good Honey): It is located north
of Janitzio and 25 minutes away from the pier. It is the smallest
of them all, but its peculiar beauty and a vantage point that
allows you to contemplate the magnitude of the Patzcuaro,
turn it into a place of much interest.
- Copujo Island: It is an extensive island but rather
flat, and that is why it is not easily spotted, becoming confused
with the lake flora.
