Villalongin Garden

🌿 The Crowning Touch of the Historic Center ⛲

Right where the Historic Center ends and the majestic Aqueduct begins, lies one of the most photogenic and romantic corners of Morelia: the Villalongin Garden.

It's the perfect border. Upon arriving here, you leave behind the colonial layout of Avenida Madero and find yourself enveloped in the fresh air of the gardens and the sound of water. But this place is not just a geographical boundary; it's a space designed for "the good life" since the 18th century and the setting for a love story.

📜 From Friar Antonio to Legend

The history of this garden dates back to 1788. He was the visionary. Fray Antonio de San Miguel, the person who bought this land across from the old Chapel of Souls (now the Temple of Lourdes) had a clear objective: to create a public promenade with abundant water for people to enjoy. It was originally called “Plaza de las Ánimas”, but history (and romance) would change his name forever.

🐎 The Rescue: Love vs. Torcuato Trujillo

The current name honors the insurgent Don Manuel Villalongín. During the War of Independence, the royalist commander Torcuato Trujillo —the villain of this story— ordered Villalongín's wife to be imprisoned in the Chapel of Souls, which was then turned into a cruel women's prison ("for those who have been taken in") to pressure the rebels.

Villalongín did not negotiate. In an act of absolute audacity, he entered the city on horseback, outwitted Trujillo's security and rescued his wife, taking her to freedom. For this reason, this garden is an eternal monument to heroism driven by love.

🌸 The Traveling Goddess and the “Four Golds”

The heart of the garden is its monumental fountain crowned by the goddess Chloris (or Flora), deidad de las flores.

• The interesting fact: This fountain is a "traveler". It was originally in the Main Square (in front of the Cathedral). It wasn't until 1899, under the administration of General Mariano Jiménez, that they decided to move it here.

• The forgotten nickname: Before Flora arrived, this garden had four small fountains in its corners, which is why the old residents of Morelia affectionately called it “The Garden of the Four Golds”.

📸 The Photo Studio and Night Walk

Today, the Villalongín Garden truly comes alive at night. It is considered one of the most harmonious spaces in the city and a favorite setting for:

• Quinceañeras and Grooms looking for the perfect photo between the quarry and the flowers.

• Graduates celebrating their achievements.

• Night walkers who enjoy the scenic lighting that connects with the Aqueduct.

📍 Why visit it from Pátzcuaro?

Because it is the perfect ending point for your walk through Morelia. After exploring the city, arriving here is a visual respite where the pink quarry stone gives way to the green of the gardens. From this point you can admire the Fountain of the Tarascas and see how the arches of the Aqueduct stretch endlessly. It's the ideal place to sit, rest your feet, and prepare for the return journey. Pátzcuaro.