Area Code- The telephone area code is 443.
Climate- Morelia can be a bit chilly in the morning and evening, especially from November through February.
Elevation- Morelia sits at 1,950m (6,435 ft.).
Emergencies- The local number for emergencies is tel. 066.
Hospital- The best in town is the Sanatorio de la Luz, Calle Bravo 50, in the Chapultepec Norte neighborhood .
Population- Morelia has 540,000 residents.
Post Office Telegraph Office- Both are in the Palacio Federal, on the corner of Madero and Serapio Rendón, 5 blocks east of the cathedral.
Visitor Information
The city government, in association with local guides, has a tourist information kiosk on the Plaza de Armas (main square). It's open from 9am until 8pm weekdays, until 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. The main office at Guillermo Prieto 56, around the corner from Avenida Madero. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10am to 2pm and 5 to 8pm. The city operates a website and prints a free quarterly magazine with calendar of events (La Guía de Morelia), which is handy.
City Layout
The heart of the city is the cathedral, with the Plaza de Armas on its left and the Plaza Melchor Ocampo on its right. The wide street passing in front of the cathedral is Avenida Madero, the city's main street. It meets the lovely colonial aqueduct .8km (1/2 mile) east of the cathedral. This segment of Madero, along with several blocks to either side, is the old part of town From the fountain, the aqueduct heads southeast toward what has become the fashionable part of town.
Special Events & Festivals
The International Guitar Festival attracts musicians from all over the world. Dates vary; last year it took place in August. In May, the city holds the International Organ Festival (linked to the variable feast day of Corpus Christi). The cathedral has what might be the largest pipe organ in this hemisphere if you like organ music, consider attending this festival. The International Festival of Music is in November. September is the month of the fiestas patrias; on Independence Day (Sept 16) and Morelos's Birthday (Sept 30), there are large castillos (fireworks displays), parades, and a good deal of celebrating.