PUEBLA
ARCHITECTURE
You don’t need to be an expert on altarpieces or style to realize that the city was built on faith; a quick glance at the buildings’ facades shows that its architectural richness dates back several centuries. A tour of the churches and civil constructions will give you a good idea of the architects’ message.
One of the most spectacular buildings is the monumental cathedral, construction of which began in 1575 although it was not consecrated until 1649, as a result of the efforts of Bishop Juan de Palafox.
Casa del Deán
This 16th century building used to be the residence of Tomás de la Plaza, the dean of the cathedral. The interior features old mural paintings, mythological art and other works related to Triumph and Chastity. These painting are located mainly in the ‘Las Síbilas’ and ‘Los Triunfos’ rooms.
Cathedral Puebla
Begun in 1575 and consecrated in 1649 thanks to the efforts of Bishop Juan de Palafox. Its bluish gray stones contrast with the white stone sculptures decorating its mannerist facade and it has a neoclassic interior. It has a Mudéjar choir stall with wooden incrustations while the dome of the Altar of the Monarchs was painted in oils by Cristóbal de Villalpando.
Cholula
The site contains seven superimposed pyramids, with a fresco called “The Drinkers” that can be reached via the tunnels built for the excavation. At the top of the pyramid stands the Templo de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. Located 12 km west of the city. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4:45. On-site museum.
El Patio de los Azulejos
Attached to the Templo de la Concordia, this patio, built c. 1670, is a magnificent example of Puebla baroque, which uses an elegant combination of textures. On the corner of 3 Sur and 9 Poniente. Open Monday to Sunday from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Palafox Library
Begun with the donation of 6,000 books by the bishop in the 17th, this library descriptionanow houses a collection of 43,000 priceless volumes. The building and shelves were built in 1722 and the library was opened to the public in 1862. 5 Oriente. Open Monday to Saturday from 6:30 to 12:30 and from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Santa María Tonantzintla
Church with lavish gilded plaster ornamentation with brightly colored fruits, flowers and clearly Mexican angels. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 to 12 and from 2 to 4 pm.
San Francisco
Baroque treasure, built between 1550 and 1767 due to all the modifications it underwent. Its doorway and tower date from this last period, when an unusual combination of brick, Churrigueresque stone and tile was achieved. Boulevard Héroes del 5 de mayo s/n. Open Monday to Sundary from 7 am to 2 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm.
The cathedral
The construction of this building had its problems, but it also had moments of glory. Work started in 1536 when Francisco de Leyva laid the foundation stone, but the current church, by Francisco Becerra, was not started until 1575. Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza moved the project forwards in the 17th century, but the second tower was not finished until 1768.
The Compañía de Jesús church
The Jesuits built a church on this site in the 16th century, but this was later replaced by the current church that dates back to 1767. It has a beautiful popular baroque façade made of gray cantera stone; its atrium is enclosed by a gate and the spacious, elegant, neo classic-style interior is decorated with paintings.
The Municipal Palace
This building was designed by Carlos H. Hall and completed in 1906. It is located opposite the main square and the beautiful portico annexed to the long arcade of Hidalgo arches. It was built in the Renaissance and eclectic styles, and its façade is made of gray cantera stone.
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