Morelia. Mexico

This is the town of Morelia, capital of the state of Michoacan. It was founded in the 1500s and the first settlers were mainly religious orders and the Spanish nobility

It has a distinct colonial feel about it with its many avenues and plazas. This plaza was right outside our hotel.

Every plaza seemed to have a fountain. This one was in the university area and had the usual groups of students sitting around chatting.

Across the road was the Conservatorio de las Rosas, the College of Music.

It was originally built as a school for poor and orphaned girls who were taught to sing for religious celebrations. Next to the school was the convent and you can still see the stone built washing facilities for the clothes.

So ably demonstrated by our guide, Andrea.

Outside was this wonderful crocodile gargoyle.

This church, Templo de la Compania de Jesus, from the 16th cent has been home to the Public library since 1930.

The historic part of the town is a Unesco World Heritage site. Here you can see the twin towers of the cathedral built in the distinctive pink stone which is noticeable throughout the city.

Many of the hotels date back to the 17th or 18th cent and are converted haciendas, often with a roof now covering what was once the open courtyard.

The stained glass roof over the courtyard.

Walking away from the city centre we came across this 18th cent aqueduct which provided water for the city's 30 public fountains and numerous private outlets from a well 8km away. The final 1.5 km has 253 arches! The aqueduct remained in service until 1910 when a new water purification system was put in place.

This walk alongside the aqueduct takes you past the large mansions of long ago.

The walk leads you to the church of our lady of Guadelupe. Although nothing special from the outside it is quite stunning on the inside.

The interior is covered with painted clay motifs and gold leaf. The decorations were added in the 1900s. There is not one part of the walls or ceiling that has not been adorned.

Our evening meal was in the courtyard of a very plush hotel and was probably the most expensive meal we had in Mexico although by UK standards still very cheap.

The Cathedral looked even more beautiful at night.

As I said the hotel overlooked a small plaza. Just before midnight we were woken by the sounds of a brass band congregating in the square to celebrate Mardi Gras. We watched for a while but the band just kept repeating the same tune! However after a while the crowd dispersed and quiet returned once more.