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Mexico’s impressive colonial heritage may be well documented, and it’s a major reason why millions of tourists flock here every year – aside from the standard Mayan ruins and Caribbean resorts, of course.
Yet we can’t help but feel that most tourists continue to miss this holiday lesser known colonial gems:
For the casual traveler, Mexico’s Spanish-era architecture can be reduced to a handful of European neighborhoods in CDMX, the university city of Guadalajara, or perhaps the pink-paved alleys of San Miguel de Allende.
Don’t get us wrong, these are all beautiful places and true historical gems that define the country, but how many people even realize that there is this one hidden city, tucked away in the non-touristy state of Michoacán, home to one of the most beautiful neo-Gothic cathedrals in the country?
Mexico’s best kept colonial secret
Founded way back in 1574, the height of the discoveries, Zamora de Hidalgo has a charming center with colonial roots and significant heritage, although you usually won’t find it in the AI-generated Top 5 Historic Destinations to Visit in Mexico.
Granted, the colonial core is not as vast as the one you see in Morelia or Guanajuato, and perhaps that is why it is blatantly ignored, but what is is on the left worth going out of the way to see.
We are talking about a colonial city grid with narrow streets full of old streets casonas (Spanish-style mansions) and traditional shops, elegant town buildings rich in detail, and leafy squares with gazebos, dotted with wrought-iron benches.
In fact, the historic center of Zamora is a designated heritage zone in Mexico several buildings that are more than 100 years oldand there has been a notorious municipal effort to preserve it.
At the heart of it all stands perhaps the most impressive Gothic Revival offering south of the border: the Diocese of Our Lady of Guadalupe, built in the late 1800s.
The tallest church in Mexico
Despite not being as old as some other Mexican cathedrals, which are approaching their 400th anniversary, Our Lady of Guadalupe is a rare example of Gothic church buildings in the country, with the kind of towering spires, pointed arches and vaulted ceilings that you often encounter in Europe.
Historically, Spanish colonists in Mexico have adhered almost strictly to the Baroque school of architecture: lavish decoration, grand altars, theatrical main portals, as dictated by progressive colonization trends.
Meanwhile, the monumental church of Zamora looks like it could belong in medieval Europe.
This is also the case with towers of 107.5 meters the tallest church in Mexico– no wonder it completely dominates Zamora’s skyline – and the most fascinating part?
It took more than 100 years to complete, making it a living testament to the perseverance, faith and commitment of the local people.
It is not an ancient Spanish relic, like most churches in Mexico, but a living testament to the unwavering Catholic devotion of today’s Mexican.
Moreover, Zamora de Hidalgo is among the most affordable destinations in the country:
Zamora is a bargain
You know when tourists come, prices tend to skyrocket in response. Well, since we last checked, it has very little gringos wandering through the beautiful back streets of the city.
Daily costs are extremely low, from food to accommodation, and eating out in particular is remarkably expensive.
Basic cantina meal deals may cost as cheap as $6 (and up to $14 in more established, upscale eateries), while sitting in a bar for a good two hours of beer drinking and people watching will only cost you a few dollars.
You barely register the dent in your bank account.
When it comes to hotels, rooms in the city can be found for very modest prices, usually around $30-$50 per nightmaking short stays incredibly budget friendly, and generally all cost of living indexes show Zamora to be cheaper than many other Latin American destinations.
The biggest challenge is getting there.
How to get to beautiful Zamora this spring
Zamora does not have its own international airport.
This means that Americans going there will have to fly into one of three major nearby airports, located 60 to 180 miles from the city itself, and then arrange transportation for the final stretch.
- Morelia Airport (MLM) → Zamora: 108 miles, 1 hour and 40 minutes via Mexico 15D
- Uruapan Airport (UPN) → Zamora: 131 miles, 2 hours and 15 minutes via Mexico 37/15D
- Guadalajara Airport (GDL) → Zamora: 300 km, 3 hours and 30 minutes via Mexico 80D / 15D
Given the short distance, the route MLM → Zamora is the fastest and most practical one for travelers.
If you don’t rent a car, there are several bus options from nearby airports/cities.
From Morelia, the nearest major airport city, there are approximately 10 to 15 buses per day from the Central de Autobuses de Morelia. The total journey time is approximately 2 hours and the carriers you are looking for are Primeira Plus, Autobuses Elite or Autovías / La Línea.
Before you travel to Mexico this spring, be sure to check out our free-to-use Travel Advisory Checker to ensure you’re up to date with the latest safety advice that applies to your specific destination in Mexico.
No more vague, national warnings.
Just type in the state or city you are traveling to and you will immediately get an idea: destination specific security information you need.
