Morelia is the capital and most populous city of Michoacán, a state in Mexico. Located in the Guayangareo Valley in the north-central part of the state, it serves as the municipal seat of the municipality of Morelia. Before Spanish colonization, the valley was inhabited by Purépecha and Matlatzinca peoples, though no major pre-Hispanic cities were established there.
The city was founded by Spanish settlers under Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza in 1541 and was originally named Valladolid. It soon emerged as a rival to the nearby city of Pátzcuaro for regional dominance, eventually prevailing in 1580 to become the capital of the viceregal province. Following Mexican independence, the city was renamed Morelia in honor of José María Morelos, an independence leader born in the city.
Morelia's historic center is notable for its well-preserved colonial architecture and urban layout. In 1991, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of these historical qualities. The city also has a distinctive naming tradition: people born on September 30 are customarily named after Morelia.