Travel Guide Contents

DISCOVER PUEBLA 01

PUEBLA PROFILE 03

PUEBLA ATTRACTIONS 04

PUEBLA DINING 12

PUEBLA SHOPPING 15

PUEBLA NIGHTLIFE 18

THINGS TO DO IN PUEBLA 20 DISCOVER PUEBLA

The state capital of Puebla, officially called “Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza” (Heroic Puebla of Zaragoza), is one of the most typical and beautiful cities in , and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Visit the city and be dazzled by the architectural beauty of its countless museums, convents, and endless constructions, as well as by the contrasting colors of the Talavera , the mortar, and the grey stone. The exquisite cuisine, rich past, cultural legacy and the natural beauty of the Iztaccihuatl, Popocatepetl, and Malintzin volcanoes all form part of Puebla’s charm, ensuring there’s always something to see or do for the visitors who come to enjoy the fun tours of the city and its surroundings.

And if all that wasn’t enough, the city also features excellent hotels and shopping malls, as well as the perfect infrastructure for meetings and conventions. This helps to make Puebla the perfect destination for those visiting on business, as well as for those who are looking to immerse themselves in the culture during an unforgettable vacation. HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AREA

Puebla is one of the cities with the most historic monuments from the 16th to 18th centuries. The beauty of the architecture of its 2,619 viceregal buildings earned the city the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1987, and it has one of the most historic colonial downtown areas in Mexico. Highlights include the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, with its Renaissance-style facade and tall towers, the Palafoxiana Library, considered to be the first library in the , which still features its original furnishings and shelves, and is home to over 45,000 books. There is also the Casa del Alfenique Regional Museum, a baroque-style building with artifacts that show the history and culture of Puebla, such as the Conquest, the , the , and numerous oil paintings.

1 A BRIEF HISTORY

Puebla, also known as “Angelopolis” or “Puebla of the Angels” (according to legend it was designed by angels), was founded on April 16, 1531, by and for Spanish immigrants. Strategically located in a valley called Cuetlaxcoapan, between and the port city of , it became the second city of New . Between 1531 and 1535 the city’s first colonial buildings were built, as it became a prominent agricultural and commercial hub. Later on, during the 16th and 17th centuries the first neighborhoods were founded, which included Analco, San Juan del Rio and San Jose.

Puebla has been the setting for important chapters in the . It is here that the plan for the Independence was created, the first Reform Laws were made here, and it was the setting for theBattle of Puebla, when the defeated the French army on May 5th, 1862. Years later, during the 20th century, owing to the social inequality that predominated in the country, it was the birthplace of the first martyrs of the : the Serdan brothers.

2 PUEBLA PROFILE

A colonial treasure with viceregal architecture

A cultural melting pot with a rich historic past

Renowned for its fine Talavera ceramics

Famous for the Cholula archeological site

The setting for the Battle of Puebla

Home to fantastic museums and art galleries

The home of some of Mexico’s best cuisine

An excellent infrastructure for business and conventions

Features restaurants and hotels classified as “Treasures of Mexico” by the government

Ideal for family vacations

Impressive educational facilities

3 PUEBLA ATTRACTIONS

Puebla is an ideal city for a wonderful vacation, whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, a culture addict, or you just want to rest and unwind. Among the natural wonders it possesses you’ll find beautiful rivers, lagoons, waterfalls, caves, volcanoes, and mountains. There are also lots of archeological sites to visit nearby, such as the Great of Cholula.

The city is made up of enchanting buildings that, even today, are impressive displays of the baroque style, featuring beautiful ornaments that turn the historic downtown area into a colorful place just begging to be explored, full of museums, convents, churches, and sanctuaries.

CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Construction started on this colonial gem in November of 1575 by orders of King Felipe II, and was finished 300 years later on. It stands out for its Baroque interiors, its Renaissance facade, and its towers, which are among the tallest in the country. Here you can admire the Kings Altar, the Altar of Forgiveness, three antique organs, and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.

4 PALAFOXIANA LIBRARY Founded in 1646 and declared a “Historic Monument of Mexico” in 1981, by the federal government, this library takes its name from the Bishop of Puebla at the time, Don Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, who donated the 5,000 books that started it off. The collection of books gradually increased to over 41,000, making it the largest printed collection in . CASA DEL ALFENIQUE MUSEUM This museum owes its name to the delicate white mortar plastering on its exterior that resembles the famous sugar candies called “alfeniques” in Spanish. Its construction dates back to the 18th century and was financed by Don Juan Ignacio , who promised his wife a house that looked like almond nougat, which is where the idea for the ornamental decor came from. The design includes beautifully crafted iron balconies and an impressive main facade. The museum is home to documents that are very important to the history of the city’s design, including codices, plans, paintings and photographs.

CAPILLA DEL ROSARIO (CHAPEL OF THE ROSARY)

Built in the latter half of the 17th century, this chapel is a jewel of baroque-style architecture. It was considered in its time to be the eighth wonder of the New World and known as the “House of Gold”. Highlights of the interior include the representations of Faith, Hope, and Charity, its beautiful decorative ornaments, paintings, plaster tiles covered in 22 carat gold leaf, and Talavera mosaics, while the impressive construction also catches the eye.

5 THE REVOLUTION MUSEUM

This was originally the residence of the Serdan family and is part of the history of the Mexican Revolution. It was here where the Serdan brothers started the Madero Revolution against Porfirio Diaz. In 1960 the property was purchased by the federal government to be restored and converted into a museum. During your visit you’ll see numerous personal effects of the brothers, as well as documents, weapons and photos that come from the period covering the Porfiriato era until the signing of the 1917 Constitution. THE LORETO AND GUADALUPE FORTRESSES These sites form an important part of the history of Mexico and Puebla, as they were the setting for the famous Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862, when a small defeated the French army. Today the fortresses are part of the 5 de Mayo Civic Center and are located on the outskirts of the city.

EL ZOCALO (MAIN SQUARE) Surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, such as the Palacio de Gobierno (City Hall) and the impressive cathedral, this square is full of charming gardens and enormous trees. In days gone by it served as the setting for fabulous festivals that gave life to the city. You used to be able to see theater shows, parties, religious celebrations, and even bull runs among the “portales” (covered walkway with arches) and beautiful streets. Nowadays it is commonly used to host different cultural events and for entertainment.

6 TEATRO PRINCIPAL (MAIN THEATER)

Inaugurated in 1706, this site originally had a capacity for up to 1,600 people. During the War of Independence it was used as an artillery vault, before being reopened for bullfights, which caused its decline. In 1820 it was rebuilt and received its current name, but in 1902 it caught fire, and a large part of its colonial architecture was lost. Years later it was refurbished and has been fully functioning since then. CASA DE LOS MUNECOS

This famous mansion, which translates to “The House of Puppets”, is a fantastic example of 18th century . It stands out for its facade, which features colorful Talavera tiles that represent 16 Asian figures known as “The Puppets”. Currently it houses the Museum of the Autonomous University of Puebla, with an art gallery, as well as artifacts and furnishings from the old Fine Arts Academy and the College of the Holy Spirit. It also has colonial paintings, along with rooms for temporary displays.

ESTRELLA DE PUEBLA

This enormous Ferris wheel is part of a project known as Parque Lineal, in the Angelopolis area, offering incredible panoramic views of the city. It is 240 feet tall and has 54 passenger capsules, earning it recognition from the Guinness World Records as the largest Ferris wheel of its kind in Latin America.

7 PLANETARIUM

The Planetarium was created to promote a culture of science and technology, encouraging imagination and creativity through historic and informative elements. It features interesting IMAX projections and numerous workshops covering robotics, physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as interactive games, a temporary exhibition hall, a reading club, and an astronomy club. HANDICRAFTS MUSEUM (FORMER SANTA ROSA CONVENT)

The history of this site begins in 1683, when it was occupied by a group of Dominican monks. Later it was converted into the religious convent, then a male hospital for the mentally ill, and finally, in 1968, it was renovated and converted into a museum. This is where you’ll find the Santa Rosa kitchen, which is covered in , where it’s said that Sister Andrea of the Assumption created the famous “ ” dish for the visit of the Viceroy of New Spain.

IMAGINA MUSEUM

Imagina features interactive exhibitions donated by the children’s museum Papalote Museo del Nino in Mexico City, as well as content about biodiversity and ecology from the Natural History Museum, making it a great place to learn in Puebla. The museum also has an area with games, ensuring lots of fun for the whole family!

8

One of the most traditional tours in Puebla is to visit this wonderful zoo located about 10 miles from downtown. It is home to a number of wild animals who are free to roam the park as if they were in their natural habitat. It was founded in 1972 by Captain Carlos Camacho to be a private collection, but now wows the public with more than 3000 animals from about 250 species, allowing visitors to get close to them. It has also been designed to encourage respect for wildlife. POPOCATEPETL-IZTACCIHUATL NATIONAL PARK

This impressive place is perfect for people looking to get close to Mother Nature, to breathe fresh mountain air, and to sometimes experience snow in winter. Here you can go mountain climbing on the peaks of the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, which reach the heights of 17,900 and 17,300 feet respectively. Located at the foot of the Sierra mountains, with its plateaus and forests, this national park is one of the largest in Mexico, and is home to diverse wildlife that includes white-tailed deer, great tinamou, falcons, and crows.

Located about 15 miles from Puebla, Huejotzingo is home to iconic places, such as the San Miguel Arcangel Former Franciscan Convent, which dates back to the 16th century. This site houses the Evangelization Museum, which features frescoes and an exhibition hall filled with mummies. Nearby you’ll find theApatlaco waterfall, which is a fantastic place to go hiking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, and bird watching.

9 CHOLULA Actually made up of two cities, San Pedro and San Andres, Cholula is built on a ceremonial temple. The site is full of traditions and is a clear example of the fusion of two worlds. One of the main attractions here is the , with the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rosary at its peak. Built in honor of the rain god, it is one of the largest in the world, twice as big as the Keops pyramid in Egypt. During the excavations they found five miles of tunnels, the Butterfly Mural, and the Drinkers Mural, which features a hundred anthropomorphic figures holding a ceremony in honor of Octli, the god of .

Other sites well worth visiting in Cholula include the churches of Santa Maria Tonantzintla and San Francisco Acatepec, the former San Gabriel Franciscan Convent, the Talavera pottery factories where you can see the production process, and the “portales” (covered walkways with arches) of Plaza de la Concordia. JOSE LUIS BELLO Y ZETINA MUSEUM Inaugurated in 1972, this museum has an impressive pictorial collection of more than 160 works of art, as well as engravings and miniature pieces. It also stands out for its original 19th century furnishings and carved wood sculptures, as well as for its glass, silver, gold, and bronze artifacts. CASONA DE LA CHINA POBLANA The China Poblana is a person who forms part of the legends and stories of the colonial era. It is said that in 1621, the Marquis of Gelves ordered a merchant to bring a young girl to New Spain to be sold as a slave. Mirra (her real name), the princess of a region of India, was kidnapped by pirates. When she arrived in Puebla she was named Catarina de San Juan and was between 10 and 12 years old. She was sold to the trader Miguel de Sosa, who paid more for her than what the marquis offered.

The girl stood out because of her Hindu style , and this was where it is thought that the China Poblana outfit comes from. She enjoyed a high level of acceptance in Pueblan society and from the Society of Jesus, who took her in after the death of Don Miguel. It is said that she started to have visions of the Baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary, which led to the people venerating her as a saint. She died at the age of 82 and was buried in what is now the sacristy of the Temple of the Society. The house in the historic downtown area where she lived is nowadays the hotel Casona de la China Poblana.

10 AMPARO MUSEUM Great architecture and magnificent exhibits combine in this museum, which was founded in 1991. Its modern exhibition halls feature large display cabinets, as well as touch screen monitors showing photos of the artifacts and information about them in numerous languages. The museum also has one of the largest art collections in Mexico. UNIVERSITY CULTURAL COMPLEX

This cultural site with minimalist architecture was created by the Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla (Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla) as a place for the university community. It features a theater, an auditorium, an art gallery, movie theaters, a symphony hall, an art academy, a book store, and a restaurant, among other buildings. Known as “Atlixco de las Flores”, this charming municipality is located 20 miles from Puebla and is flanked by the imposing volcano Popocatepetl. It is known for itscolonial constructions, which include the Parroquia de la Natividad Church, the Museo de las Culturas del Valle de Atlixco (Atlixco Valley Culture Museum), the Iglesia de la Tercer Orden church, Plazuela Fray Toribio de Benavente, San Francisco Church and Convent, and the Ermita de San Miguel Arcangel shrine, which is located on the Cerro de San Miguel hillside, and offers incredible panoramic views.

The municipality also stands out for its impressive agricultural production and for its ornamental plants. When you visit Atlixco you should explore the surrounding area, as there are excellent water parks with slides. Remember to try “cecina” (salt-cured meat), Atlixco soup, and the delicious ice creams. RELIGIOUS ART MUSEUM (FORMER SANTA MONICA CONVENT) This site was a clandestine convent up until 1934. A year later, it was reopened to the public as a museum displaying religious paintings and sculptures. The building was later refurbished and liturgical artifacts were added, recreating the life of the nuns.

11 PUEBLA DINING

The famous Pueblan cuisine came to prominence from the union of pre-Colombian and Spanish cultures. Complemented by influences from French and Asian cuisines, it has a unique and incomparable taste that has earned it the title of Cultural Heritage. RESTAURANTE 1800 This casual restaurant has been serving exquisite regional and international cuisine for more than 25 years. Another popular specialty dish in Puebla is “chiles en nogada”, which is considered to be one of the finest and most representative dishes of haute cuisine around the world. This seasonal dish is eaten from July to September and was created by the nuns of the Santa Monica Temple and Former Convent in the 19th century especially for Agustin de Itubide, a hero of Mexican Independence and the first constitutional emperor of Mexico. Overcome by patriotism at the visit, the nuns created a dish showing the colors of the Mexican flag using seasonal ingredients. The dish consists of green poblano chilies filled with a stew containing beef, pork, banana, apple, pear, peach, pine nuts, almonds, and raisons, bathed in a white creamy walnut sauce (nogada), and dressed with red pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley.

12 LA CALLE DE LOS DULCES (STREET OF CANDIES) This famous street, also known as Calle Santa Clara, is where you’ll find the convent that makes specialty cookies, candies, and “rompopes” (eggnog). It is a perfect place to buy typical candies, such as “camotes”, “gaznates”, glazed fruits, pine nut “jamoncillos”, macaroons, “tortitas de Santa Clara” (a kind of tart), “mueganos” (fried flour balls coated with caramel and sprinkled with nuts), and nougat, as well as liquors and ciders.

MOLE POBLANO One of the dishes seen as symbols of Puebla is “mole poblano”. There are lots of stories behind this culinary delicacy; one of them tells how it was created by Sister Andrea of the Assumption in the Santa Rosa Former Convent for a special occasion. Another version tells of a nun that on grinding numerous chilies and other ingredients on a flat stone, she exclaimed “what a grind” (grind is “mole” in Spanish) from the aroma, earning the dish its name. Others state that it was in a Puebla convent that it was cooked in honor of Juan de Palafox, Viceroy of New Spain and Bishop of Puebla, when he visited the diocese.

This award-winning dish is a true delicacy. The original recipe consists in grinding different types of chili peppers, chocolate, sesame, biscuits or tortillas, raisins, peanuts, tomatoes, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, onion, and garlic, then mixing it together with chicken stock, preferably in a ceramic pot. The sauce is served over chicken or turkey, sprinkled with sesame seeds, and accompanied by rice. MARKETS The markets are ideal places to try popular dishes, such as tasty squash blossom and Mexican truffle quesadillas, , and . At the San Pedro de Cholula and Carmen Serdan La Acocota Markets you can also purchase the ingredients to make mole poblano, and take them to a grinder nearby to get the paste. On Sundays another place you can visit is Analco Market, where you’ll find typical snacks and light bites.

13 FONDA DE SANTA CLARA This traditional establishment opened its doors for the first time on September 13th, 1965, and stands out for its regional specialty dishes. Nowadays it is an award-winning restaurant with numerous branches in the city, the oldest of which is situated in the historic downtown area. TYPICAL SNACKS When you visit Puebla you have to try the exquisite “chalupas” (shallow corn boats filled with different ingredients), “molotes” (fried corn dough filled with shredded beef stew or other fillings), “gorditas” (small cakes made with corn dough and stuffed with cheese, meat or other fillings), “chanclas” (bread based snacks filled with , meat and onion, then topped with a tasty sauce), “tlacoyos” (corn dough cakes stuffed with ground beans, cheese, chicharron or other ingredients), squash blossom and Mexican truffle quesadillas, ant larvae stew, “cemitas” (a special bread roll filled with sliced avocado, meat, white cheese, onions, and chilies), worms, and an endless array of other snack foods that you must try during your visit. CASA DE LOS MUNECOS This elegant and sophisticated restaurant is housed in a stunning baroque-style building that dates back to the late 18th century and has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It offers a fantastic combination of exquisite Mexican gourmet cuisine and delicious house wines. Highlights of the menu include different dishes made with mole poblano, prepared using a special house recipe.

14 PUEBLA SHOPPING

In addition to its natural attractions, its impressive archeological sites, the picturesque towns that surround it, its museums, and colonial buildings, Puebla also offers a fantastic array of places to go shopping and to buy a souvenir of this incredible city, which seduces visitors with its delicious flavors, exquisite aromas, and characteristic colors. Here you can find beautiful Talavera ceramics, textiles, onyx goods, antiques and lots of souvenirs for all budgets and tastes in the different markets, art galleries, shopping malls and stores spread around the city.

BARRIO DEL ARTISTA (ARTIST NEIGHBORHOOD) This picturesque site is located next to El Parian Market in the historic downtown area of the city. The traditional thing to do here is to explore the area and see the artists working and showing off their talents to the public. Sometimes open-air concerts and theater shows are held in this bohemian setting.

TALAVERA CERAMICS Talavera is inherently connected to Puebla, and over time this beautiful pottery has become a symbol of the city. It’s almost impossible to visit the state capital and to not purchase at least one of these amazing pieces that feature a wide variety of designs, varnishes, and colors. Among the most traditional workshops are the following: Talavera Uriarte, founded in 1824; Talavera Celia; Talavera de la Reyna; and Talavera de la Luz; all of which have protected designation of origin certificates. Visit the workshops and admire the delicate production process for these incredible works of art.

15 EL PARIAN ARTISAN MARKET

This site was built in 1801 and is located in the historic downtown area, featuring the original decorative design that combines brickwork and Talavera pottery details. It is known as the first handicrafts market in the city and is an ideal place to purchase Talavera pottery, embroidered products, glass, ceramics, miniatures, leather and carved wood items, silver goods, and typical candies. ANALCO MARKET

Every Sunday an impressive array of vendors get together next to the San Francisco River in the Analco neighborhood, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century. Here you’ll find furniture, clothes, different kinds of handicrafts, and even plants. There are also stalls selling candies and snacks.

PLAZUELA DE LOS SAPOS

It is said that in the colonial times this area was flooded with the waters of the San Francisco River, proliferating a population of toads (“sapos” in Spanish), hence its name. This small plaza has become a great place for an interesting walk. It’s full of viceregal houses that feature a wide variety of different facades, colorful entrances and balconies. Many are home to bazaars, art galleries, antiques stores, cafes, and bars. At the weekend the area is famous for its market, where you can find everything from religious art and books, to rare coins and other collectable curiosities. This is definitely somewhere any good city tour will include on their route.

16 LA CALLE DE LOS DULCES (THE STREET OF CANDIES)

Here you can see the tradition of candies from Puebla that synthesize centuries of artisanal work, domestic creativity, and the incredible imagination of the nuns, an important part of Puebla’s cuisine. You’ll find a wide variety of delicious candies here, such as “camotes”; pine nut, pumpkin seed or walnut “jamoncillos”; “mueganos” (fried flour balls coated with caramel and sprinkled with nuts), marzipan, “marinas” (milk caramel), truffles, and glazed fruits, as well as other delicacies with whimsical Spanish names, such as tortitas de Santa Clara, suspiros de monja, munecas de almendra, and borrachitos. There are stores full of these unique candies on both sides of the street and in the surrounding area. ANGELOPOLIS

This modern shopping mall features more than a hundred different businesses, which include department stores, restaurants, a food court, and movie theaters. It is also where you’ll find the impressive Estrella de Puebla Ferris wheel.

17 PUEBLA NIGHTLIFE

Puebla has a great nightlife scene. When night falls, the city streets light up, inviting visitors to tour the historic downtown area, as well as to visit the bars, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, casinos, and theaters spread throughout the city. There’s something for everyone: you can dance, savor delicious Pueblan cuisine, enjoy a refreshing drink, gamble, or just chat until the early hours of the morning.

PLAZA SANTA INES Every night the festive spirit seems to take over this central plaza, inviting visitors to explore it as they listen to cheerful mariachi music. Located in the historic downtown area, it is easily reached after a delicious dinner or drinks at the restaurants and bars nearby.

AVENIDA JUAREZ With an impressive array of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, this is the most popular avenue for those who want to enjoy the lively nightlife of Puebla. Also known as the Emerald Zone, you can have dinner here and enjoy a good wine, or sing and dance the night away.

TEATROS There are more than 20 theaters in the city, ensuring lovers of the stage will always find a wide variety of shows to go and see. Other options include dance performances, concerts, conferences, and children’s shows.

18 PLAZA DE LOS SAPOS

This small plaza comes to life on Friday and Saturday nights, as the bars and cafes are popular places to meet up, chat, and enjoy a drink or a coffee, and the bohemian atmosphere. SAN ANDRÉS CHOLULA

The different restaurants, bars, cafes, and nightclubs on the street 14 Oriente, in the heart of the city, are popular places to go for young people at the weekend.

19 THINGS TO DO IN PUEBLA

Explore the historic downtown area and admire architectural gems like the cathedral, the Palafoxiana Library, and Casa del Alfenique Tour the main plaza and relax under the lush trees of the gardens Discover the city’s history by visiting the museums Visit the Guadalupe and Loreto fortresses, the setting of the famous Battle of Puebla If you’re traveling with children, go to the Planetarium and the Imagina Museum Visit Cholula and see the pyramid and the sanctuary at its peak. Explore the San Gabriel Franciscan Former Convent and the churches of Santa Maria Tonantzintla and San Francisco Acatepec. Check out the Talavera pottery workshops. Visit Africam Safari and see the species that inhabit its wide open spaces that recreate their natural habitats Get in touch with the great outdoors as you explore the Popocatepetl-Iztaccihuatl National Park Discover the beautiful towns near Puebla, such as Atlixco, with its churches and convents. Try the tasty Atlixco soup and the specialty salt-cured cecina Go to Huejotzingo, admire the museum and the former convent. Explore the area of the Apatlaco Falls, see the flora and fauna, and buy a bottle of delicious cider Pamper your taste buds with iconic dishes like mole poblano, chiles en nogada, “chalupas”, and “cemitas” Visit the street filled with candy stores called Calle de los Dulces, to buy “camotes”, “borrachitos”, “pepitorias”, “jamoncillos” and much more, as well as a bottle of rompope Check out the stores in the Barrio del Artista neighborhood, Plazuela de los Sapos, and at El Parian Artisan Market. On Sundays, purchase fine handicrafts, such as beautiful Talavera ceramic pieces at Analco Market

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