Basilica of Our Lady of Health

First, as always, I will start with a little history of this basilica and some interesting facts about it.

It is the most important temple in Pátzcuaro. One of its unique features is that it is not located in the city center, unlike most cities founded during the early centuries of the Colonial period.

It was built by order of the first Bishop of Michoacán, Don Vasco de Quiroga, on top of a pre-Hispanic ceremonial site. It served as the cathedral until 1580, when it was decided that Valladolid (now Morelia) would take on that role.

It was designated a basilica in 1924, and the building that can be admired today is the result of several reconstructions. Its façade is simple, with few ornamental elements.

Inside is the image of the Virgin of Health, the patron saint of the region. It is a beautiful figure modeled in cornstalk paste, dating from the 16th century. This Virgin has a rich history, having endured several attacks. It was commissioned by Vasco de Quiroga himself and remains in good condition to this day. The remains of Don Vasco de Quiroga rest in this place, who is affectionately known as Tata Vasco.

A little creepy to think that parts of his bones are still on display, isn't it? Well, right now, his remains are well protected, and all you can see is the mausoleum.

Okay, let's continue with the part that interests me most: telling about its architectural style and perhaps a little about the ornamentation of this basilica.

First, in the 16th century, Tata Vasco was its first builder. The church adopted a basilica plan with a Latin cross structure. Its initial construction was influenced by the exuberant and well-established New Spanish Baroque style. In the 19th century, through several reconstructions and restorations, it adopted a neoclassical style.

Main facade: It has two levels of columns, niches with sculptures of the four evangelists, a door with a semicircular arch and a circular rose window, topped by a wide triangular pediment.

Interior: The church has a single nave with a semicircular apse and a wooden barrel-vaulted ceiling. The main altar is presided over by a quarry cypress tree that houses the 16th-century statue of Our Lady of Health.

Well, it's a basilica with many details and history, and if you leave it or go to its plaza, you'll almost always find a variety of stalls selling crafts, jewelry, or natural remedies, as well as churros, which I don't recommend much if you don't like food on display, but other than that, they're good.