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Square and basilica · Pátzcuaro, Michoacán
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga e Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud
One of the largest squares in Mexico, surrounded by arcaded mansions, and the basilica with the image of the Virgin of Health, made of corn paste.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Plaza Vasco de Quiroga e Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga is a large, tree-lined square with a fountain and a statue of Bishop Vasco de Quiroga, who in the 16th century organized the Purépecha lakeside towns, teaching each one a trade. The mansions around it have arcades with shops, cafés and hotels.
A few blocks away, the Basilica of Our Lady of Health was designed by Vasco de Quiroga to be a cathedral. It houses the image of the Virgin of Health, made in the 16th century from cane corn paste by Purépecha artisans; it receives pilgrims year-round and has a feast on December 8.
Between the two, Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra, a tribute to a heroine of independence, contains the market and the library, installed in a former church with a mural by Juan O'Gorman about the region's history.
The size of the squares and the uniform height of the houses give Pátzcuaro the appearance of a town stopped in time.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
In the morning for the basilica and the market, and late afternoon for the square.
How to get there
In Pátzcuaro center, on foot.
Tip
Enter the library at Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra to see Juan O'Gorman's mural.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Plaza Vasco de Quiroga e Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Salud
Who was Vasco de Quiroga?
The 16th-century bishop who organized the Purépecha lakeside towns, teaching a trade to each.
What is the image of the Virgin of Health made of?
Of cane-corn paste, made by Purépecha artisans in the 16th century.
Where to see O'Gorman's mural in Pátzcuaro?
In the library at Plaza Gertrudis Bocanegra.