Morelia’s administrative hub is housed in a French-style former convent and remains one of the town’s architectural highlights.
Stroll down Avenida la Francisco Moadero in central Morelia and you won’t miss the stunning façade of the Federal Palace. Admire the ornate stonework around the windows and the heritage wooden doors that date back to the building’s time as a convent. Explore the interior and you will find two attractive courtyards adorned with elegant columns and arches.
The Federal Palace dates back to the 18th century, when it was a convent for the Catarinas nuns. The building was designed in the French-eclectic style by the architect Adolfo Andre de Tremontesis. Features include intricate stonework, curved windows and spacious courtyards. In 1891, it became the Theresian School of Santa Maria of Guadalupe. The building changed hands again in 1935 and became the seat of government affairs in the city. The central post office, as well as many other administrative offices, remains here to this day.
You won’t mistake the building, as Mexican flags hang from almost all the wrought-iron balconies on the upper floors. Spend a while admiring the plasterwork around the curved windows, the shallow, peaked roofs and the Corinthian-style columns of the façade. Step closer to admire the detail carved into the wooden doors and imagine the 18th-century nuns that once passed through this doorway. Don’t miss the historic bell tower. The tall tower features narrow columns on each corner, giving a clear view of the bell that would have rung when this was a place of religious learning.
Step inside and admire the spacious courtyard. Tropical plants are neatly spaced beneath the Ionic-style arches and columns. Curved windows and doors give a view into the interior.
The Federal Palace is located in central Morelia, a short walk east of the cathedral. It is not open as a tourist attraction, so permission to view the courtyard is not guaranteed. The post office is open Monday through Friday and provides an opportunity to see the interior of this stunning building.
