PUEBLA
HISTORICAL INTEREST
The Historic Center of Puebla is without a doubt the most relevant area in the city in terms of local and national history. It is the location of the cathedral and the Palafox Library, the largest in Ibero-America on the subject of theology. The Museo de Historia Natural, Fuerte Loreto and the Guadalupe Fortress are located in the Centro Cívico 5 de Mayo, on the periphery. The latter two structures defended the city from the French invasion during the 19th century.
Amparo Museo
Set in what was the first hospital in San Juan de Letrán, built in 1538. Its state-of-the-art museum facilities provide a complete overview of the city, from pre-colonial times to the present. Inaugurated in 1991. 2 Sur No. 708, Centro. Open Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission free on Mondays.
The cathedral Puebla
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 Loreto and Guadalupe Forts
Located in the 5 de Mayo Civic Center, both of these forts were built during the 19th century to defend the city of Puebla. They came into their own on May 5, 1862, when the troops commanded by General Felipe Berriozábal at the Loreto bulwark, and General Ignacio Zaragoza at the Guadalupe fort defeated the French army commanded by Fernando Lorencez. This historical event is of great national importance.
The Palafox Library
This 17th century building is currently located in what used to be the Archbishop¿s Palace and the headquarters of the Tlaxcala bishopric. In 1646, Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza founded the library and donated his collections of books. Of particular interest is the outstanding collection of incunabular works.
The Puebla Museum of Vice Regal Art
This museum is housed in what used to be a 16th century hospital. Many years later, the additions and modifications made to the building increased the surface area, including its large arched patio, to the 5,000 square meters it covers today. Its rooms have displays of objects related to medicine set in an old drugstore. There are also excellent exhibitions of paintings of the times of the Viceroys.
MUSEUMS
Puebla offers a choice of museums, ranging from family collections of art, railway carriages and locomotives, pre-Hispanic and viceregal culture reflected in the works of art of the time, to museums showing the artistic achievements of the Colonial period. Others worth visiting include the Amparo and Bello museums, the National Railroad Museum and the Puebla Regional Museum of Viceregal Art.
Amparo Museum
Set in what was the first hospital in San Juan de Letrán, built in 1538. Its state-of-the-art museum facilities provide a complete overview of the city, from pre-colonial times to the present. Inaugurated in 1991. 2 Sur No. 708, Centro. Open Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission free on Mondays.
Bello Museum
Built in 1944 to house a valuable family collection of art and antiques that give a very clear idea of the decoration, atmosphere and everyday objects of various eras. Includes collections of painting, furniture, Talavera pottery and glass, as well as liturgical instruments. 3 Poniente No 302. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission free on Tuesdays.
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.
National Railroad Museum
Set in the railway station inaugurated by Benito Juárez, this museum displays railway carriages, engines, tools and related objects. It has a library, historical archives and a map and photograph collection. Inaugurated in 1988. 13 Poniente No. 103, on the corner of 5 de mayo. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission free on Sundays.
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.
The Puebla Museum of Vice Regal Art
This museum is housed in what used to be a 16th century hospital. Many years later, the additions and modifications made to the building increased the surface area, including its large arched patio, to the 5,000 square meters it covers today. Its rooms have displays of objects related to medicine set in an old drugstore. There are also excellent exhibitions of paintings of the times of the Viceroys.
Popularity: 73% [?]