The name Yuriria is a shortened version of "Yuririapúndaro" (you-ri-ri-ah-PUHN-da-Ro), which means Place of the Bloody Lake in the Purépecha language.

Friar Diego de Chávez also founded the Augustinan Monastery, work on which began in 1566 under the supervision of architect Pedro del Toro.

Santa Monica Ozumbilla is one of the oldest communities in Yuriria dating as far back as the early 16th century.

Since its construction in November 1550, and its culmination on 1559, its massive size and dazzling structure captured the attention of generations, and ultimately put Yuriria on the map.

The Templo de la Preciosa Sangre de Cristo (Temple of the Precious Blood of Christ) is a 19th century church which houses a 17th century black figure of Christ.