Calzada Fray Antonio

Calzada Fray Antonio is a magnificent historic boulevard located in the city of Morelia, in the heart of sunny Mexico. A straight pedestrian walkway laid out back in 1732, it is a major architectural monument of the colonial period.

Originally, this street was created to connect the central blocks of the city with the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which in the 18th century was located on the outskirts. Today, this place is recognized as a significant part of the historical heritage, attracting tourists with its elegance and atmosphere of antiquity.

A stroll along the boulevard allows travelers to feel the spirit of the era when the city was still called Valladolid. This is not just a road, but a complete public space that has preserved the features of classic urban planning from past centuries.

For those planning to visit this historic site in Morelia, it is helpful to know its exact location. Since the boulevard is an open public space, it does not have a dedicated phone number or email address, but you can always find your way using the map.

The main activity here is a leisurely stroll, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the colonial-era atmosphere. Visitors can admire the exquisite building facades, which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, and enjoy the shade of century-old trees.

At the end of the boulevard, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a must-visit. This religious and architectural monument is striking for its interior decoration and serves as the logical conclusion to the route along Calzada Fray Antonio. Additionally, it is an excellent spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the authentic look of old Mexico.

There are several ways to reach the start of the boulevard in the historical center in Mexico, where Calzada Fray Antonio is located. If you are traveling between cities, it is most convenient to use the bus service or a rental car — for example, the journey from Pátzcuaro covers about 345 kilometers.

Within Morelia itself, the easiest way to reach the site is by taxi or local public transport, which runs regularly through the city center. If your hotel is located in the historic district, a walk on foot is a great way to see neighboring colonial buildings along the way.

Construction of this important thoroughfare began in 1732, when present-day Morelia was known as Valladolid. The boulevard was designed as a straight connecting link between the city center and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which in those days was located on the far periphery.

The name of the landmark is closely linked to Fray Antonio de San Miguel, an outstanding church and public figure of that period. Walking along these stones, you are literally touching the history of New Spain, established by the first viceroy, Antonio de Mendoza.

Despite the city changing its name to Morelia, its historical appearance, including the layout of this street, has been preserved almost in its original form. Today, the boulevard is an important element of the architectural heritage of the colonial era, carefully protected by the state.

To take a leisurely walk along the entire boulevard, enjoy the colonial architecture, and take memorable photos, visitors typically need about 1–2 hours. This timeframe also includes a visit to the sanctuary at the end of the path.

If you plan to examine the facades of the old buildings in detail or visit the adjacent park, it is worth setting aside a bit more time. Walking at a steady pace will allow you to better feel the unique rhythm of life in this historic district.

The boulevard is an open urban site and is accessible 24/7 every day of the week. This gives tourists the opportunity to choose the most convenient time for a walk, from early morning to late evening.

Nevertheless, experienced travelers recommend coming here during daylight hours. This not only ensures better visibility for viewing architectural details but also allows for the highest quality photographs of the historic boulevard.

Exploring the surroundings of Calzada Fray Antonio allows tourists to get a more complete picture of Morelia's cultural richness. Nearby are both picturesque natural areas and specialized museums that will be of interest to travelers of all ages.