Morelia

Town in Mexico, in the northeast of the state of Michoacán of which it is the administrative capital; population (1995) 578,100. It is the centre of a rich cattle-raising and agricultural region, and its industries are based on fishing (capitalizing on the many lakes in the area), and on forest products. Morelia is also a tourist centre.

An oil pipeline brings oil from the refinery at Salamanca in the neighbouring state of Guanajuato.

Features Lying at an altitude of 1,860 m/6,102 ft, the town is situated on the Rio Grande de Morelia, which flows into Lake Cuitzeo a few kilometres to the north.

Morelia was founded in 1540 in the Valle de Guayangareo and was named Valle-de-Olid after the conquistador Cristóbal de Olid who carried out reconnaissance in the area in 1522. There are many colonial-period churches and buildings, some of great historical interest. The revolutionary José María Morelos was born and lived in the town. His birthplace is open to the public. The University of Morelia, officially known as Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (former Colegio de San Nicholás), is one of the oldest seats of learning in Mexico, dating from 1540.