Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Churches in Patzcuaro, Mexico

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

This Colonial town with its blend of indigenous culture is an intriguing place to walk around. There are markets, plazas, street food - and a variety of beautiful churches.

Take a stroll with us around Patzcuaro!

Parroquia del Santuario de Guadalupe

This temple to the Virgin of Guadalupe was built by Feliciano Ramos in 1833. Ramos arrived from Havana, Cuba to Mexico as a slave of a Spanish family.

After a time, he gained his freedom due to his good behavior and later became a brilliant and very successful merchant.

Basilica of Our Lady of Health

Up the hill east of the center of  town is the Basilica of Our Lady of Health - which happens to be Patzcuaro's Patron Saint. It is said that this Virgin performs miracles, and many people pay homage to the Basilica with offerings to Her.

Bishop Quiroga - a main character in the development of the town itself and the indigenous people native to Patzcuaro- is buried here.

In front of the Basilica is a very reasonably priced open-air market which opens daily, featuring locally-crafted souvenirs. 

A cracked church bell

Before modern communications, church bells were a common way to call the town together for all purposes, both religious and for community matters.

The ringing of church bells called people to prayer, and it was believed to suppress storms and repel demons. There were signals given for a death in the village. The bells would ring 3 times in a series of 3 for a man, 2 times in a series of 3 for a woman, and 1 ring three separate times for a child. then the bell would ring out the age of the deceased.

The bells were also used as clock chimes as well.

Templo  de Compania

This yellow church was the Jesuit headquarters. Jesuits arrived in Michoacan in 1574 to educate the native peoples in the Catholic faith.

The white facade on the left is the facade of the Jesuit college. Inside the building is a large patio and quiet corridors.

Today this building serves as the main office to the House of Culture. To the right, outside the photo is the Templo del Sagrario.

Another ancient bell tower

The size of a typical church bell is 28 inches or larger and the weight is 400 pounds and up. Most are cast bronze and have a deep rich tone.

To give you an example of bell size comparison, the 1876 Centennial Bell weighs 13,000 pounds. The St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England houses Great Paul, which is the largest bell in the British Isles at 16.5 tons.

Beautiful bell tower

I hadn't really thought about bells before. But there are bells for churches, ships, courthouses, academies, factories and farms. Each has a special weight, sound and purpose for ringing.

When I see bell towers I think of my Grandfather who, as a child, took a job as a bell ringer in a church in Austria. He used the tower as a shelter for a while before he emigrated to the United States.

The Biblioteca Gertrudis Near La Plaza Chica

This building is now a public library, but was constructed in 1576 as an Agustinian Convent. On the back wall of this library is an impressive and colorful mural by Juan O'Gorman.

La Plaza Chica, also known as La Plaza de Gertrudis Bocanegra, is named for a local heroine who was executed by firing squad for supporting Mexico's Independence movement.

Patzcuaro's local market sets up at the corner of this plaza every day from about 9 to 5. You can find fruit, vegetables, fish, meats, herbal medicines and yummy street food. There are also some local arts and crafts.  

Templo del Sagrario

This beautiful old majestic temple was founded by Bishop Vasco de Quiroga in 1540.

It is one of the most photographed churches in Patzcuaro.

Bell of steel blue/gray

We heard bells pealing in Patzcuaro and also in Morelia. Such a beautiful ancient sound.

If you are ever in Patzcuaro, take a wander around the town!

For more stories and photos of Mexico, click here

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