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Plaza de Villalongín

4.6
·491k reviews·Morelia, Mexico

A historic heart of Morelia, featuring the iconic Tarascas fountain and charming pink stone architecture, plus unique aqueduct pools.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Tranquil atmosphere

CrowdLow
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De medio día

Plaza de Villalongín

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Tranquil atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic heart of Morelia, featuring the iconic Tarascas fountain and charming pink stone architecture, plus unique aqueduct pools.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Discover the charm of Plaza de Villalongín, a historic gem with iconic fountains and unique swimming pools!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🏊‍♂️ Dive into History

Don't miss the Villalongín pools! They're a cheap and unique way to cool off right by the plaza.

📸 Capture the Charm

The plaza's pink stone and the Tarascas fountain are perfect for photos, especially during golden hour.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fuente de las Tarascas

Fuente de las Tarascas

Center of the plaza

Iconic bronze fountain depicting Tarascan women, a symbol of Morelia's indigenous heritage.

Villalongín Pools

Villalongín Pools

Adjacent to the plaza

Historic aqueduct pools offering a unique and affordable swimming experience.

Cantera Rosa Architecture

Cantera Rosa Architecture

Surrounding buildings

Admire the beautiful pink volcanic stone buildings that give Morelia its colonial charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Visit

To truly soak in the charm of Plaza de Villalongín, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Weekends can get busy, especially during local events. Consider visiting on a weekday to enjoy a more serene experience.

Discover the Hidden Pools

Adjacent to the plaza, you'll find the historic Villalongín pools, part of Morelia's aqueduct system. These offer a unique, affordable dip and a refreshing escape, often overlooked by tourists.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Tranquil atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
October 29 - November 2
Why
Day of the Dead altars
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

¡ALBERCA EN CENTRO DE MORELIA no te la vas a creer, $70 x día y a lado de la plaza Villalongín! #Morelia #Moreliacentro #Quehacer
@vagodigital
69.4K likes • 1.2M views

🏊‍♂️ Dive into History

Don't miss the Villalongín pools! They're a cheap and unique way to cool off right by the plaza. TikTok+1

📸 Capture the Charm

The plaza's pink stone and the Tarascas fountain are perfect for photos, especially during golden hour. Instagram+1

¿Ya conocías las Albercas de Villalongin? 🌞⛱️🌊 #morelia #adondeir #alberca
@moreliaculture
12K likes • 203.8K views
🌸 Plaza de Villalongín: Un Encanto Histórico en Morelia 🌸 La Plaza de Villalongín, ubicada en el corazón de Morelia, es un rincón lleno de historia y belleza. Con su emblemática Fuente de las Tarascas, rodeada de jardines y la icónica cantera rosa, este espacio es ideal para disfrutar de la tranquilidad y el encanto colonial de la ciudad. 🌟 Qué hacer en la Plaza de Villalongín: Admira la Fuente...
oskmadrata
1 likes • 90 views

🎃 Day of the Dead Spectacle

Visit late Oct/early Nov for stunning altars and decorations. Instagram+2

🚶‍♀️ Stroll and Relax

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens and admire the colonial architecture. Instagram

🤔#Morelia es una ciudad que guarda miles de historias, un ejemplo es la Plaza de Villalongín 👀
grupomarmor
66 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🏊‍♂️ Dive into History

Don't miss the Villalongín pools! They're a cheap and unique way to cool off right by the plaza. TikTok+1

📸 Capture the Charm

The plaza's pink stone and the Tarascas fountain are perfect for photos, especially during golden hour. Instagram+1

🎃 Day of the Dead Spectacle

Visit late Oct/early Nov for stunning altars and decorations. Instagram+2

🚶‍♀️ Stroll and Relax

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens and admire the colonial architecture. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Plaza de Villalongín for its central location, iconic fountain, and charming colonial architecture. The adjacent historic pools offer a unique and affordable swimming experience, especially popular with locals. While generally well-maintained, some find it can get crowded during peak times or events.

What People Like

Iconic Tarascas fountain
Historic cantera rosa architecture
Affordable Villalongín pools

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plaza de Villalongín is centrally located in Morelia, Michoacán, at the intersection of Avenida Madero Oriente and Aquiles Serdán. It's easily accessible by foot if you're already in the historic center. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Instagram

Yes, the plaza is very close to other key Morelia landmarks, including the iconic Fuente de las Tarascas, and is a short walk from the Cathedral and other historical sites in the city center. Instagram

Walking is the best way to explore the plaza and its surroundings. You can easily discover hidden gems and appreciate the colonial architecture at your own pace. Instagram

Street parking can be challenging in the historic center. It's advisable to use public parking lots located a few blocks away or rely on taxis and ride-sharing services for convenience. Instagram

Many local bus routes pass through or near the historic center of Morelia. Check local bus maps or ask a local for the best route that stops closest to Avenida Madero Oriente. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Plaza de Villalongín is a public square and is free to enter and explore. You can wander through its gardens and admire the fountain without any cost. Instagram

As a public plaza, it's generally accessible at all hours. However, the surrounding shops and attractions may have their own operating times. Instagram

Yes, there is a small recovery fee to access the Villalongín pools. It's an affordable way to enjoy a swim and experience a unique part of Morelia's history. TikTok+1

The plaza often hosts events, especially during holidays like Day of the Dead, where it's decorated with altars and tapetes. Check local listings for any ongoing celebrations. Instagram+1

The plaza is typically open and accessible at night, offering a different ambiance with its lighting. However, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings in any urban area after dark. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Fuente de las Tarascas is a must-capture. Also, frame shots with the pink cantera buildings and the surrounding gardens for that classic Morelia colonial feel. Instagram+1

Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the plaza's tranquility. Late afternoon provides a beautiful golden hour glow, enhancing the pink stone architecture. Instagram

Drone usage in public spaces, especially historical centers, is often regulated. It's best to check with local authorities or the Morelia tourism office before flying a drone. Instagram

Yes, the Day of the Dead decorations are highly photogenic. However, be respectful of visitors and participants, and avoid obstructing any ceremonies or displays. Instagram+1

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide shots of the plaza and details of the fountain. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the surrounding architecture. Instagram

🎫 🏊‍♂️ Swimming & Recreation

The Villalongín pools are situated right next to Plaza de Villalongín, accessible from Aquiles Serdán street. They are part of the historic aqueduct system. TikTok+1

The cost is a small recovery fee, making it a very budget-friendly option for a refreshing swim. TikTok+1

The pools are generally open to the public during daylight hours. It's advisable to confirm specific operating times upon arrival, as they may vary. TikTok

Basic facilities are usually available for changing. It's recommended to bring your own towel and essentials. TikTok

The pools are maintained and open to the public, suggesting they are safe for swimming. However, always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plaza de Villalongín offers a pleasant outing for families. The open space of the plaza allows children to move around, and the Fuente de las Tarascas is always a point of fascination. For a unique family adventure, consider visiting the Villalongín pools for an affordable and fun swimming experience. It's a great way to cool off and let kids burn off some energy in a historical setting. TikTok+1

During festive seasons like Day of the Dead, the plaza becomes even more engaging with colorful decorations and altars, providing a visually stimulating environment for children to learn about local traditions. Pack some snacks and water, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring this charming part of Morelia.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Plaza de Villalongín is a dream. The Fuente de las Tarascas offers dynamic sculptural elements, while the surrounding cantera rosa architecture provides a warm, colonial backdrop. Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for the most dramatic light that enhances the pink stone. Instagram+1

Don't miss the opportunity to capture the plaza during Day of the Dead celebrations, when it's adorned with intricate altars and vibrant marigolds, offering unique photographic opportunities. The adjacent Villalongín pools also present interesting angles, blending historical structures with the refreshing water. TikTokInstagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Plaza de Villalongín is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. The plaza itself is free to enter and explore, offering beautiful sights like the Fuente de las Tarascas and the charming cantera rosa architecture. Instagram+1

The real budget-friendly highlight is the Villalongín pools, which offer swimming for a very small fee. It's a fantastic way to experience a local amenity without breaking the bank. TikTok+1 Enjoying the atmosphere and taking photos costs nothing, making this a prime spot for an enriching yet inexpensive visit.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Aqueduct and Villalongín Pools

The Plaza de Villalongín is intrinsically linked to Morelia's impressive aqueduct system. Built to supply water to the city, sections of this historic infrastructure are still visible and integrated into the urban landscape. Adjacent to the plaza, you'll find the Villalongín pools, which are part of this aqueduct. These pools offer a unique and affordable recreational opportunity for locals and visitors alike. They represent a fascinating blend of historical engineering and modern-day leisure.

These pools are a hidden gem, often highlighted by locals and savvy travelers on platforms like TikTok. They provide a refreshing escape from the Morelia heat for a minimal cost, making them a popular spot for a quick dip. The experience is often described as surprisingly accessible and a great way to connect with a less-touristed aspect of the city's heritage. TikTok+1

When visiting, remember that these are functional historical elements. While maintained for public use, they offer a more rustic and authentic experience compared to a modern swimming facility. It's a chance to swim in waters that have been part of Morelia's story for generations, offering a truly unique perspective on the city's past and present. TikTok

Plaza de Villalongín: A Cultural Hub

Plaza de Villalongín is more than just a pretty square; it's a vibrant cultural space in the heart of Morelia. Its most prominent feature is the Fuente de las Tarascas, a striking bronze sculpture depicting indigenous women carrying water, which has become an emblem of the city and its rich cultural heritage. The plaza is often surrounded by beautiful buildings constructed from the distinctive cantera rosa, the pink volcanic stone that gives Morelia its characteristic colonial aesthetic. This architectural beauty makes it a favorite spot for photographers and those who appreciate historical ambiance. Instagram+1

Throughout the year, Plaza de Villalongín serves as a venue for various events and celebrations. Notably, during the Day of the Dead festivities (late October to early November), the plaza is transformed with elaborate altars, vibrant decorations, and artistic displays. Students and local artists often contribute to these displays, creating a visually stunning and culturally significant experience for visitors. Instagram+2 This makes it a dynamic destination that offers different experiences depending on when you visit.

The plaza is also a place for everyday life, where locals gather, relax, and enjoy the city's atmosphere. It's a perfect spot to pause during a day of sightseeing, perhaps enjoying a local snack or simply people-watching. Its central location and engaging features ensure it remains a beloved and frequently visited landmark in Morelia. Instagram

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