HISTORY
Puebla is a modern city with rich history and beauty. The city
is justly famous for its colonial architecture and for its gastronomy
and crafts.
Founded in 1531 with the name of Puebla de Los Angeles (City of
the Angels). According to legend, angels laid rope across the empty
land to indicate where the city's principle streets and buildings
should be constructed.
Puebla holds a special place in Mexico's history. In 1862, the
ill-equipped Mexican army under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza
defeated the French on May 5. This event is celebrated widely among
the Mexican-American population in the United States, but it not
celebrated much in Mexico outside of this city.
Historical note, after the 1862 battle, the city's name was changed
to 'Puebla de Zaragoza' in honor of the victorious general.
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Among the city's fine attractions are the Amparo
Museum, Calle 2 Sur #708 and the Revolution Museum, Avenida
6 Ote #206. Mole poblano is said to have been invented at the Convento
de Santa Rosa, now a museum of popular art, Avenida 14 Pte #305.
Landmarks include the cathedral, the Palafox Library
(which is reputed to have the largest theology collection in Latin
America), the Museum of Natural History and Fort Loreto.
The Rosary Chapel of Santo Domingo Church is a fine
example of Churrigueresque
architecture. Construction was completed in 1690. The chapel is
covered from top to bottom in gold leaf, tiles, and woodwork.
The National Railroad Museum, 11 Norte #11005, is
open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm. Free admission.
MARKETS
Traditional city markets include Mercado el Carmen
and Mercado Venustiano Carranza, bordered by 16 and 18 Poniente
and 3 and 5 Norte.
Parian Market is noted for its regional crafts.
ARTESANIA
Puebla is famous for distinctive crafts,
including Talavera pottery and tiles. Talavera is quite expensive,
with each piece being unique. Original pieces are signed at the
base and identify the workshop.
When Spain established this outpost in 1531 artisans from Talavera
de la Reina were encouraged to settle in Puebla City. Ceramics were
needed to adorn churches. Today the crafts range from tiles to monumental
vases. Sink basins and even toilets can be made from talavera.
There are about a dozen certified workshops in and near Puebla City.
One example is the Uriarte Talavera factory.
Traveler's tip -- In Mexico City the most famous display of talavera
is the Casa de Azulejos which houses the famous Sanborns restaurant.
It is an entire house built of tiles.
FOOD
Puebla City is famous for its cuisine, with world-renowned dishes
that owe their existence to the blending of prehispanic and Spanish
menus.
The famous mole poblano, a chocolate chile sauce used in white
meat dishes, was created by the nuns of the Santa Rosa Convent.
Chiles en nogada (chiles stuffed with meat and covered with a pecan
sauce) was prepared by the nuns at Santa Monica convent for Agustín
Iturbide, the first ruler of independent Mexico. Chiles en nogada
feature the colors of Mexico's new flag: green, white and red. The
popular dish is available in late August and September, timed for
the annual walnut harvest and Mexico's Independence Day.
The Santa Clara convent was famous for its sweets, including camote
(crystalized sweet potato candy, photo),
jamoncillo (a mix of pumpkin seeds, almonds and sugar) and the tortita
(a cookie with a cream on top). These and other goodies are found
on the 'Street of Sweets' where you will also find the convent.
For more details, consult our guide to Where
to Eat in Puebla City.
SPORTS
Puebla has a number of sports teams. The baseball
franchise is the Pericos.
The Tigres
have moved to Cancun.
NATURAL WORLD
Guadalupe Hill Park is located two kilometers northeast of the
Zócalo. The Loreto Fort houses the Intervention Museum documenting
the French occupation of Mexico.
The river that once separated Paseo de San Francisco district from
the city is now a road.
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