Page "Morelia" Paragraph 19

Almost all of Morelia ’ s notable sites lie in its historic center, due to its history.

This historic center is roughly equivalent to the original layout of the city when it was founded in 1541, and most of this layout has survived intact to the present day.

Anticipating growth, this original layout had very wide streets and plazas for the time, with streets systematically arranged to allow for elongation.

The streets are systematically laid out, but not rigidly squared, with most having gentle curves designed into them.

Most of the grandest structures were completed during the 18th century, including the facade and bell towers of the Cathedral, the Colegio Seminario ( today the State Government Palace ), La Alhóndiga ( today part of the Palace of Justice ) and numerous private mansions.

During the same time period, infrastructure such as the city ’ s aqueduct and various plaza fountains were constructed.

The Mexican federal government lists 1, 113 buildings built from the 16th to the 20th century as having historical value.

The buildings encompass the various architectural styles that have been fashionable in Mexico, but nearly all are built of pink cantera stone, which gives the city a unified appearance.

Several measures were taken in the 20th century to preserve this part of the city.

In 1956, the city enacted regulations to preserve the historic center ’ s colonial buildings.

In 1990, President Carlos Salinas de Gortari issued a decree making the historic center of Morelia a national historic monument.

In 1991, the same area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which covers 200 of the area ’ s historic buildings.