The College San Nicolas Obispo was founded in Patzcuaro during the sixteenth century by the Bishop Vasco de Quiroga and moved to Valladolid in 1580 when the church and state changed residence.
Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was professor and principal of this school in the early nineteenth century and Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, his pupil.
During the time of Independence was closed and returned to operation until 1847 when Melchor Ocampo donated books and equipment for scientific research to the college.
Currently, the building houses one of the high schools of the University of Michoacan of San Nicolas de Hidalgo.
The majestic building has a facade of a neoclassical style and its interior is baroque.