Pátzcuaro in Brief

an overlook through the region and its closer points.

by

Arturo Pimentel Ramos

(1929 - 2002)

a cuya memoria está dedicado este sitio.

Preface

HOUSE OF THE DWARF OAK PORCH

This building is located in the main plaza. It was given this name due to the fact that the arcade supporting it is much lower that those surrounding it. The entry is formed by thick trunks of wood supporting a horizontal beam on which rests the edifice. It must be noted that the arcade did not always appear as “dwarf” as it does now, because the level of the plaza and the street were later raised. This is apparent if we observe the enormous disproportion that exists between the first and second stories of the house. It actually appears to have a cellar.

HOUSE OF THE GIANT

(OLD MANSION OF THE EARLS Of MENOCAL)

This is so named because in the corridor of the upper story of the building is a huge polychrome sculpture of the figure of a soldier. The significance of this figure and why it was placed here are unknown. However it is certain that whoever constructed this mansion was a person with good taste and good humor to have decorated the house with such an artistic but useless figure. The beautiful, manorial design and elegant Corinthian style in the rest of its architecture, as well as its well-preserved state, make this one one of the most beautiful colonial jewels of the city. The Baron of Humboldt stayed here in the 18^th century, on his way to the recently born volcano Jorullo.

HUITZIMÉNGARI  PALACE

The oldest civilian construction in Pátzcuaro, built in 1711, is known as the Palace of Huitziméngari. Its facade gives no hint of the magnificence of its interior, but on first entry to the interior court we see the importance of the edifice. In the construction we notice a certain archaic rusticity. Its enormous arches with rectangular pillars support the upper level with rubble-work masonry parapets, and recall poblana architecture while preserving its own personality. This house belonged to don Antonio de Huitziméngari, noble descendant of Caltzontzin, the last Purhépecha Emperor, whose culture and wisdom ennobled forever his race.

HOUSE OF THE EARLS OF VILLA HERMOSA DE ALFARO

This building now serves as a hotel. It is an edifice of grand proportions which demonstrate that its former dwellers were very upper class. Its facade is simple, adorned only with the coats of arms of the family, interlaced with mortar sashes in relief. These seem to give importance to the noble heraldries of Villa Hermosa de Alfaro and of Ortega, who, in addition, was a viscount.

more
1  2  3  5  6

General info

How it all began

Don Vasco de Quiroga

Buildings to visit in Pátzcuaro

Plazas of Pátzcuaro

Still more...

Handicrafts

Beyond Pátzcuaro

Credits