Morelia
(mo-RAI-lee-ah), city (1990 pop. 489,756) and township,
Michoacan, W Mexico; 19°40'N 101°11'W. It is
the commercial and processing center of an irrigated agr. and
cattle-raising area. Founded as Valladolid in 1541 by Antonio de
Mendoza, Morelia is built on a rocky hill and is surrounded by a
fertile valley at the W edge of the central plateau. High peaks border
the valley on 3 sides. The climate is warm and healthful. The city is
supplied with water by an aqueduct dating from the colonial period. The
most imposing Span. structure is the cathedral, begun in 1640; colonial
architecture, some modern bldgs., and shaded plazas give the city a
pleasant atmosphere. The Colegio de San Nicolas, founded (1540)
in Patzcuaro and transferred in 1580 to Morelia, is the oldest
institution of higher learning in Mexico. Morelia was the birthplace of
Agustin de Iturbide and of the patriot Jose Maria
Morelos y Pavon, for whom it was renamed in 1828.
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Michoacan, W Mexico; 19°40'N 101°11'W. It is
the commercial and processing center of an irrigated agr. and
cattle-raising area. Founded as Valladolid in 1541 by Antonio de
Mendoza, Morelia is built on a rocky hill and is surrounded by a
fertile valley at the W edge of the central plateau. High peaks border
the valley on 3 sides. The climate is warm and healthful. The city is
supplied with water by an aqueduct dating from the colonial period. The
most imposing Span. structure is the cathedral, begun in 1640; colonial
architecture, some modern bldgs., and shaded plazas give the city a
pleasant atmosphere. The Colegio de San Nicolas, founded (1540)
in Patzcuaro and transferred in 1580 to Morelia, is the oldest
institution of higher learning in Mexico. Morelia was the birthplace of
Agustin de Iturbide and of the patriot Jose Maria
Morelos y Pavon, for whom it was renamed in 1828.
