Puebla is a unique city with a rich cultural heritage and interesting history.
Located on the east side of two volcanoes, Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl, and a short two-hour drive from Mexico City, you’ll find Puebla, Mexico’s fourth-largest city.
Puebla is one of our favorite cities in Mexico for many reasons, vibrant colorful streets, Baroque architecture, and the beauty of the Zocalo come to mind, but the mouthwatering Poblano cuisine is at the top of the list.
- Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico. It has a metro population of more than 2.5 million.
- Puebla City is officially called Puebla de Zaragoza, after the general who won the Cinco de Mayo Battle. However, most people call it Puebla de Los Angeles (its original name based on a legend), and some even Angelopolis.
- The German brand Volkswagen operated its second-largest (outside Germany) manufacturing facility in Puebla for many years.
- Cuexcomate geyser located in the city of Puebla is considered the world’s smallest volcano.
- Poblanos are known for their accents. Some say they started to speak rhythmical Spanish when they used to mock the accent of the French (which attacked and ruled Mexico for some time).
- The historic center of Puebla City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Center in 1987 and over 5,000 buildings were included in the catalog.
- UNESCO also recognizes the Biblioteca Palafoxiana (in the Historic Center) as the first public library in the Americas. Because of this fact, it has been declared a Memory of the World.
- But don’t think Puebla is a city stuck in the past. The city has many modern museums, a planetarium, glamorous shopping centers, and a beautiful convention center.
- The bell towers of Puebla’s Cathedral are the tallest in Mexico (70 meters).
- Many sources consider the “mole poblano” Mexico’s national dish. Puebla is also famous for other dishes such as “chiles en nogada” and “cemitas”.
- The vibe of Puebla cannot be absorbed by visiting as a day trip from Mexico City (a very popular thing to do). There are just too many sights to see, too many dishes to try and too many legends to hear.
- Puebla City is only second to Mexico City in a number of universities. That gives the city vibrancy, youthfulness, and tons of taquerias open till dawn hours.
- The city has its own mural “barrio” called Xanenetla.
- A ceramic style called Talavera (originated in Puebla) is admired worldwide. Tiles created using this style decorate many of the city’s buildings.
- Puebla is not only the name of a city but of an entire state which is bursting with waterfalls, archeological ruins, mountains, elaborate buildings, handicrafts, and indigenous groups.
- And of course, Puebla is known for the Battle of Puebla which took place May 5, 1862. This is not a mainstream celebration in Mexico (it is mostly celebrated in the city of Puebla and in the United States).
Visit and explore Puebla City on your next Mexico trip!
