Cuitzeo
Read more
Slide to the left to continue
◈ Cuitzeo is one of the country’s best-preserved towns, with a perpetually festive air. But more than just the city’s appearance and its people’s cheerful disposition, Cuitzeo boasts one of the most important convent compounds in the area and a lake considered Mexico’s second largest.
.
.
◆ Admire the Santa María Magdalena church and former convent.
◆ Take off on a photo safari around Lago de Cuitzeo.
◆ Roam the streets of the town looking for the neighborhood chapels.
The arched Portal de Peregrinos, the Open Chapel, and the cloister which has now been turned into the Museo de la Estampa.
❖ Templo y Ex Convento
de Santa María Magdalena
Tour this former convent, now a Historic Monument, that mixes medieval and Renaissance architecture.
This former convent is one of the best-preserved 16th-century compounds, and it is a classic example of religious architecture from the first years of the colonies. Created by indigenous sculptors, its plateresque facade is considered one of the most striking in the Americas.
Notable features include the buttresses supporting the walls, limestone gargoyles carved in zoomorphic and human shapes, and the wall surrounding its courtyard as if it were a fortress. The architectural complex is made up of the atrium, church, cloister, open chapel, and garden.
❖ Architecture in the Center and Neighborhood Chapels
Discover the architectural landmarks and the sacred treasures they shelter—some date from the 16th century.
Cuitzeo is home to several interesting landmarks in addition to the Santa María Magdalena convent compound. In the town center, there is the town hall, Portal Hidalgo archway, the parish house, Hospitalito (a 17th-century Franciscan hospital), and Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church. And scattered throughout the town are the San Pablito, El Calvario, and La Concepción chapels, which date back to the 16th century.
Keep in mind that you can also visit nearby churches such as Jeruco, San Agustín del Pulque, and Cuamio.
❖ Museo de la Estampa
In addition to the Santa María Magdalena convent, you should make time to visit its Open Chapel, the arched Portal de Peregrinos, and old cloister which now holds the Museo de la Estampa. This museum has a collection of murals, library of monastic texts, colonial-era art objects, and a few archeological finds. Also on display are some engravings by famous artists, such as Alfredo Zalce and Guadalupe Posada.
❖ Soak in Cuitzeo’s Hot Springs
Ten miles west of here is Huandacareo, an area with natural hot springs that is filled with water parks where you can unwind and pamper yourself a while. One option for accommodations is Agua Caliente, which offers ten rooms, pools, waterslides, playing fields, a campground, and a playground.
❖ Take a Trip to the Past
Two and a half miles away is the Tres Cerritos archeological site. Back in the year 1200 it was a funerary, religious, and residential center of the Purépecha culture. It got its name, meaning “three mounts,” from the three large structures discovered on this verdant hill. Don’t miss the place of worship and what was once the main square.
Useful Information
Wear comfortable shoes and take plenty of water to drink.
❖ Take a Boat Ride on Lago de Cuitzeo
Explore Lago de Cuitzeo on a boat or kayak to truly experience the lake’s natural beauty.
You have to try this. You can’t help but notice the play of light across the water and the birdlife. Its huge size makes it perfect for boat rides and photo safaris. Stop by Hermanos Reyes restaurant where they put on kayak races.
❖ Festival de las Ánimas
This festival of the spirits and souls is set on Lago de Cuitzeo. There are contests for the best altars, skeletal catrina figures, and costumes.
In addition, there are food shows featuring pan de muerto, the traditional bread made for the holiday; tours of the 16th-century Augustinian convent; a Purépecha ball tournament; and a silent procession. Plus, there are conferences, plays, and a colorful marigold exhibition.
The Desfile de Catrinas parade is held on October 31st, and the candlelight procession and traditional vigil in the cemetery is on November 1st.
❖ Fiesta de Santa María Magdalena
This is one of the town’s most important celebrations as it honors Cuitzeo’s patron saint. Starting the day before, you can hear the firecrackers and fireworks, while on the 22nd a special mass is held, the image of Saint Mary Magdalene is carried through the streets, and a small fair is put on.
When: July 22
Magical Towns in
Michoacán
.
