Tzintzuntzan
The Magical Town that was once the capital of an empire
Tzintzuntzan, ancient capital of the Purepecha empire, boasts a glorious past with a population of 30,000 inhabitants. In the era of the conquest, it was the first city of Michoacán and briefly played the role of episcopal see.
The imposing Yácatas, witnesses of pre-Hispanic splendor since the 12th century, stand on a natural promontory, offering spectacular panoramic views of Lake Patzcuaro. Vasco de Quiroga, in 1533, founded the majestic Exconvent of Santa Ana, the nucleus of the growth of the current Magical Town of Tzintzuntzan. The vernacular architecture, with one-story houses, tile roofs and wide overhangs, survives in this charming place. In the extensive atrium, 33 centennial olive trees provide shade, becoming a community meeting point. This historic site witnessed the first mass in Michoacán and marked the beginning of evangelization, reflected in the open chapel and the immersion baptismal font. Today, the former convent houses the Tzintzuntzan Community Museum, offering a fascinating insight into regional history.
The Magical Town of Tzintzuntzan, like all the hospital towns in the region, is a town of artisans. Particularly famous are the typical beige ceramic dishes with fish motifs or green glazed ceramics, such as those on display in the convent kitchen. From Tzintzuntzan you can explore Lake Patzcuaro, visiting hospital towns such as Santa Fe de la Laguna or the islands of Tecuena, Yunuen and Pacanda, from the Ucazanaztacua dock.
WHAT TO DO
1. Challenge your children to discover the 'jamanus'; the quarry of the Exconvento comes from the Yácatas, where some blocks are engraved with these special symbols. Immerse yourself in the performance of Don Juan Tenorio at the Exconvento de Santa Ana at dusk on the Night of the Dead. 3. Capture panoramic photos from the Yácatas, ideally in the morning. Also explore Ihuatzio, another archaeological site between Tzintzuntzan and Patzcuaro. 4. For a souvenir, choose from pottery, panikua (wheat straw) Christmas ornaments, tule mats or chuspata ornaments. 5. Experience the fascinating tradition of the Spies to the Christs on Holy Wednesday, when Romans on horseback ride through the village in search of ancient images of corn cane paste that some families guard to take out in procession."
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