Puebla (on the UNESCO list). Puebla, colonial city of Mexico Main square and historical center of Puebla

The morning began with a 2-hour drive from Mexico City to Puebla. I watch the landscapes change outside the window, the urban jungle of the big city of Mexico City has been replaced by picturesque hills and deciduous trees.

While we are traveling to the beautiful city of Puebla, I will tell you a little about the life of Mexicans. I was interested in the question of what the current attitude of Mexicans to the Spaniards is, because Mexico was a Spanish colony (New Spain) for almost 300 years. During the period of their rule, the Spaniards built new cities, architectural buildings, and magnificent temples. The mixture of Indian and Mexican traditions made the unique Mexican Baroque style. Mexicans are kind, cheerful and hospitable people. Moreover, they are ardent patriots, they love holidays very much and organize them on a variety of occasions.

The attitude towards “big brother” (USA) is twofold - they love it and they hate it. The war with the United States in the mid-19th century left a negative mark on the hearts of Mexicans, after which Mexico lost several states. Texas seceded during the Texas Revolution. Then the rejection of California, New Mexico, Arizona, which are now part of the United States. Now the big neighbor has a significant influence on the development of Mexico. Some ways of developing the state and economy were borrowed from the United States.

The main sources of income for the state of the United Mexican States:

1. Oil, natural gas and mineral extraction, 2. Silver mining and tourism, 3. Machine tool industry

Tourism plays a significant role in the country's economy. A huge influx of tourists from the United States poured into Mexico after the United States broke off relations with Cuba after the revolution. Rich Americans have chosen the snow-white beaches of Cancun, which is a very popular holiday destination on the shores of the gentle Caribbean Sea. The modern attitude of locals towards Americans is loyal, Mexican service is at a high level, but among themselves they call Americans gringo (white, foreigner). English is spoken only in resorts popular among Americans (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Acapulco, etc.); in the outback of the country they speak only Spanish; in extreme cases, you will find a cafe with a duplicate menu in English.

The main place in the life of every Mexican is family, around which their whole life revolves. They sincerely love and respect their family members and always help each other.

On the way, we made a stop at a place where a volcano with the unpronounceable name Popokatepetl was visible in the clouds and then continued on our way to the city of Puebla. Puebla is surrounded by three more volcanoes - Orizaba, La Malincha and Iztaccihuatl. The latter is compared by Mexicans to the image of a lying woman. Almost all legends in Mexico are necessarily associated with volcanoes.

Approaching the city, I noticed that there was different vegetation here - tall pine and deciduous trees, and there were birches. Puebla is located in a lowland, the city is carefully surrounded by mountains. The harvest in this region is obtained using irrigation systems and machinery.

The first point of sightseeing in Puebla is the magnificent colorful Church of Santo Domingo(Templo de Santo Domingo), which is famous for its Rosary Chapel. The Rosary Chapel takes pride of place at the top of the temple.

The interior decoration of the walls and dome of the Church of Santo Domingo is richly decorated with gold.

Puebla(Puebla) is a very beautiful, well-groomed, rich city, which is the capital of the state of the same name in Mexico. The city was founded as a trade link between Mexico City and Veracruz and soon began to play a huge role in the economic, strategic and political development of the country. Puebla is also a major archaeological center in Latin America.

A distinctive feature of the city is the rich colonial architecture of buildings and churches, the facades of which are decorated with Talavera ceramic tiles, characteristic of this region. Buy a plate or some kind of ceramic set here; you won’t find such a variety in other cities.

Another hallmark of Puebla is sweets; there is a whole street of shops where you can buy sweets that are made only in Puebla. There is a huge selection of sweets; they are made using fruits and nuts. You can even buy sugar skulls, which Mexicans give each other on the Day of the Dead.

On the streets everywhere they sell delicious, ripe and juicy mangoes for 30 rubles with our money, which they will peel for you. They also sell cacti called “tuna”.

Puebla seemed to me a very sunny and festive city; on the pedestrian streets there are many tourists and Mexicans themselves who are just strolling. Children's relay races with the participation of a clown took place on the square.

Puebla was built by the Spaniards, like many cities in Mexico, according to the same plan. This is the main square of the city - the Zocalo, around which important government buildings and a church are built. The city is very easy to navigate, the streets are perpendicular.

So, admiring the bright and beautiful facades of the buildings, we walked from the Church of Santo Domingo to Zocalo Square, where we broke away from the group to have a quiet lunch in a restaurant and try something new from Mexican cuisine.

Corn tortillas with various mildly spicy sauces are served before the main course. For my main course, I ordered Aztec meat with the famous spicy chocolate sauce, molepoblano, which was invented in Puebla. And my husband ordered pork with the equally famous guacamole sauce (based on avocado).

During lunch, musicians played a keyboard percussion musical instrument (marimbafon) in the cafe. The marimba originated in Malaysia and then became a common instrument in Mexico and other countries in the Americas and Africa.

The approaching Christmas added its own charm. In Mexico, it is customary to decorate Christmas trees for December 1, and in all cities squares were actively decorated for the holiday, garlands were hung, huge snowmen were placed, shining in the hot Mexican sun and completely inconsistent with the weather. The blue sky was reflected in the New Year's balls, artificial trees looked completely awkward among the lush greenery of the trees, and the unreal picture was complemented by workers in shorts hanging balls on the main Christmas tree of Puebla. Probably, if in Mexico they decorated a huge cactus for Christmas, it would be more appropriate, in my opinion.

I've heard a lot about gloomy and gloomy Mexicans. Perhaps I'm just lucky to have good people, but I haven't met a single unfriendly Mexican. Their stern faces blossomed with smiles as soon as you asked them a question. Everyone willingly allowed themselves to be photographed, gave directions, helped to understand the menu and eloquently proved how hot their seasonings and peppers were. It was in Puebla that I was offered to try ice cream with chili peppers, but, having decided that chocolate-covered chicken was enough for me to experiment with, I refused the controversial delicacy.

Mexican cathedrals also amazed and surprised. Incredibly beautiful, completely different from each other, surpassing themselves in luxury and elegance of decoration! It turned out to be very cozy, very light and somehow good for the soul. No one shushed us when they saw that we were taking pictures of everything. We went to services, to weddings - we were greeted with smiles and were treated with understanding about our movements inside the cathedrals.

Mexicans in small towns do not speak English, but they quickly communicate using gestures, a calculator and fingers. They were easy and simple to understand, and in return we received a smile.

I remember Mexican children forever with their adult and serious eyes. They didn't beg. They simply silently offered their crafts and looked into their eyes. And I capitulated under their gaze... Having cleverly set up a warning system about my approach, in each new city a gang of young businessmen took me into a tight ring and, tugging on my sleeve, offered me exactly their product. They didn’t need a long siege... It’s impossible to imagine how much nonsense I had to buy, contributing to the prosperity of their business! Arriving home, I generously gave Mexican trinkets to all my friends.

And further. It was from Puebla that I began to fall in love with such a different and interesting Mexico; here the harsh gods were replaced by living people. Bright and sunny Mexico coincided with me perfectly, evoking a reciprocal feeling in my soul.

City: Puebla
Category: architecture

The city of Puebla, which is located in Mexico, began its history in the middle of the 16th century and became the first city in the country that the colonialists rebuilt from scratch, and not on the ruins of Indian settlements, as they had done until that moment. Initially, it was called the “city of angels”, because according to the existing legend, it was the angels who indicated the place where the city should be built to Bishop Julian Garces.

Since those times, the historical center of the city has undergone virtually no changes, and its layout has been completely preserved in its original form. Beautiful buildings, such as the old Archbishop's Palace, the Jesuit Church, the Cathedral of Santo Domingo, a number of residential buildings and magnificent mansions, still delight the eyes of tourists who come here. The walls of some of the houses are covered with colorful tiles called “azuleijos”.

In general, this city is considered to be the place where Mexican Baroque was born. And it is the architectural value and integrity that led to its inclusion in the World Heritage List. Even now, when you find yourself on its streets, you get the impression that this is a small, calm and charming town, since high-rise structures made of concrete and glass are not popular here. And it was precisely the preservation of colonial and Indian traditions that brought him fame. To this day, this place remains a stronghold of Catholic traditions and conservatism.

Another interesting feature of Puebla is the fact that the city is located among four volcanoes, which are also the highest points in North America.

Puebla- the capital of the state of the same name, 90 km. southeast of Mexico City. This is one of the most important cities in Mexico, preserving the appearance of colonial times.

Puebla is one of the most popular, famous and frequently visited cities in Mexico. Excursions and tours around Puebla are in great demand among both Mexican and foreign tourists. This is why Puebla is so often included in multi-day excursion tours around Mexico. It is convenient to get to Puebla from Mexico City and then follow the route of the main attractions of southeastern Mexico.

History of Puebla

Puebla was founded in 1531 by Spanish conquerors as a trade center between Mexico City and the port of Veracruz, and to provide security for the region. Puebla has served as the scene of many of the country's glorious events. Thus, during the Mexican-American War, this territory was occupied by US troops, and during the Franco-Mexican War, on May 5, 1862, a historic battle took place near the city, in which Mexico won. Despite the fact that the war itself was lost, Mexico City was occupied by French troops, and Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Joseph von Habsburg became Emperor of Mexico, a significant date Battle of Puebla - May 5(Cinco de Mayo) has become a national holiday in the country, which is now celebrated everywhere and on a huge scale.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city experienced an industrial boom thanks to new emigrants from Italy, Germany and France. Today Puebla is one of the largest cities, an important cultural, scientific and economic center of Mexico.

Volcanoes of Puebla

Puebla is the only city in the world located immediately between four volcanoes: Orizaba (5747 m), Iztaccihuatl (5220 m), Malinche (4503 m) and the active Popocatepetl (5500 m). All four volcanoes are the highest points in Mexico. But there is another one - Koshkomate. This is the smallest volcano in the world, its height is only 13 meters. You can even go down a spiral staircase into it.

In 1987, the city of Puebla was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its global historical, architectural significance and rich cultural heritage.

Sights of Puebla

Plaza de Armas- the central square of Puebla, surrounded by exceptional architectural monuments. In its center stands a beautiful fountain, erected in 1777 and decorated with a sculpture of the Archangel Michael.

This is also where K is located. Puebla Cathedral, consecrated in 1649. It took more than 100 years to build. The second largest cathedral in the country is distinguished by the precious decoration of the altars, marble columns, carved choir benches, and paintings.

The most amazing attraction in Puebla is Chapel Rosario in the church Santo Domingo. A true 17th-century Baroque masterpiece, it was considered in its era the “Golden House” or the eighth wonder of the world. The magnificent decoration of the chapel, walls and vaults completely covered with gilded ornaments, magnificent paintings and sculptures are the greatest example of religious architecture in Mexico.

Visit the Rosario Chapel in Puebla during a guided tour of Mexico in Russian. Our guides will take you to the best attractions in Puebla.

The historical part of the city will be interesting to visit private museum of Amparo. The museum was created in honor of the wife of Puebla philanthropist Amparo Espinosa Rugarcia. Two large halls contain a collection of art from the pre-Hispanic and colonial periods - ceramics, sculpture, textiles, and more. The exhibition site also organizes temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

Cultural center and former Monastery of Santa Rosa presents to visitors an exhibition of Folk Art. The monastery is famous for the fact that it was here that the famous thick and spicy mole sauce was once invented and first prepared by nuns, which is now an integral part of Mexican cuisine.

Talavera pottery, Puebla

The famous talavera glazed pottery has been produced in Puebla and the surrounding area since the late 16th century. It is here that special white clay is mined, suitable for the production of ceramics of the highest quality. The only real talavera is that which is handmade and painted in the state of Puebla in several certified workshops. The technology for making high-quality ceramics was brought to Mexico from Spain during the colonial era.

The golden age of Talavera is considered to be the period from 1650 to 1750. Puebla becomes the main pottery center in Mexico, and its products are exported to various parts of Latin America and around the world. Now Puebla ceramics are so highly valued that collections of historical items are exhibited in museums in New York, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Texas and Mexico City.

If you go on a sightseeing tour of Mexico with a visit to the city of Puebla, you will have a unique opportunity to buy unique Mexican talavera ceramics from Puebla masters. Our guides will take you to the best souvenir shops in the city of Puebla, where you can not only buy products of the highest quality, but also avoid fakes.

Cuisine of Puebla, Mexico

Among Mexicans, Puebla is considered the gastronomic capital of the country and the birthplace of most of the national cuisine. Indeed, to the ancient traditional recipes, the Spanish, French and Lebanese emigration added many elements of their dishes. The spicy mole sauce, so beloved by all Mexicans, was created here. For its labor-intensive and time-consuming preparation, about 20 different products are used, including chocolate, which softens the sharp taste of pepper and gives the sauce a dark color. It is usually served with chicken or turkey. Another common dish is chili peppers stuffed with meat, fruits and spices, topped with a nut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds. Molote is a corn tortilla filled with cheese, ground beef, Mexican sour cream and the usual salsa. After a good lunch, you can drink a glass of sweet rompope or egg liqueur made according to the monastery recipe.

Excursion tours in Mexico are also a culinary journey that will delight gourmets! Get to know Mexico through the cuisine of its peoples! Try the famous cuisine of Puebla in the best restaurants in the city, which our guides will definitely invite you to.

Puebla is a wonderful example of colonial architecture and an interesting tourist destination. This city should be a must-visit for anyone who would like to experience Mexico's rich cultural heritage.

Puebla(Spanish) Puebla listen)) is a city and municipality in Mexico, the capital of the state of Puebla. Official full name - Heroic Puebla de Zaragoza(Spanish) Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza). Previously called Puebla de los Angeles(Spanish) Puebla de los Angeles), which is why he has the nickname Angelopolis(Spanish) Angelópolis, "city of angels").

Story

Colonial period

According to archaeologists, in the Pre-Columbian era, the territory of present-day Puebla did not have a permanent population, being used as a coordinated site for the Flower Wars - ritual battles between Mesoamerican city-states, the purpose of which was to capture prisoners for subsequent cannibalism and human sacrifice.

Founded on April 16, 1531 as a trade center and military stronghold between Veracruz and Mexico City. The following spring, the original settlement was completely destroyed by the flooding of the San Francisco River, after which the surviving townspeople moved to higher ground. Historians have two versions regarding the origin of the city’s name, both of which have documentary evidence. According to the first version, the name came from the cartas puebla (Letters of Settlement), in which the Spanish monarchs gave permission to the conquistadors to found new cities. The second version says that the name comes from the name of the Franciscan priest Juan de la Puebla, who in Spain was involved in the selection of missionaries who accompanied the conquistadors who founded the city.

In order to accelerate the development of the city, the Spanish government declared Puebla and its surroundings a territory free from encomienda, which attracted many poor immigrants from the metropolis. The influx of colonists, favorable for living and farming, climate and convenient geographical location contributed to the rapid growth of the city, and by the end of the 16th century Puebla became the second largest and most important city in New Spain after Mexico City. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the city continued to develop successfully, with many fountains built, beautiful buildings of colonial architecture built and main streets paved with stone.

The events of the Mexican War of Independence had little effect on the city, which was firmly on the side of the separatists; the few royalists were expelled and their property was confiscated.

As part of Mexico

During the Mexican-American War, Puebla was occupied by American troops under the command of General Winfield Scott without firing a shot, but then the American garrison had to endure a difficult two-month siege by superior Mexican forces led by Mexican President Santa Anna. After American reinforcements arrived, the siege was lifted, and the city remained under their control until the end of the war.

On May 5, 1862, during the Franco-Mexican War, a battle took place near Puebla in which the Mexican army under the command of Ignacio Zaragoza defeated superior French forces. In honor of this commander, the Congress of the State of Puebla changed the name of the city to Eroica Puebla de Zaragoza (Heroic Puebla of Zaragoza, Spanish. Heroica Puebla de Zaragoza). However, this name is used quite rarely and only in some official documents; in the everyday speech of city residents, the use of Puebla de los Angeles or even Angelopolis (city of Angels, Spanish) is often used. Angelopolis), while other Mexicans and Latin Americans simply call it Puebla. May 5 is celebrated in Mexico and some US states as a national holiday, but it is a public holiday only in Puebla. In 1863, the French again launched an attack on the city, and this time it was successful - Puebla was captured and remained in the hands of the interventionists until the end of hostilities in 1866. During the assaults, the city suffered significant damage.

During the civil war of 1910-1917, Puebla changed hands several times.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Puebla experienced a period of industrialization (specializing mainly in labor-intensive industries such as textiles, footwear and food processing), and several waves of French, Italian and German immigrants arrived in the city. Despite the fact that in the twentieth century Guadalajara and Monterrey overtook Puebla both in population and economic importance, today the city continues to be one of the main economic, political and cultural centers of the country.

In 1987 it was declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO.

Geography and climate

Geographical information

The city is located at an altitude of more than two kilometers above sea level in the Puebla Valley (also called the Quetzalcoapan Valley), surrounded on all sides by the mountains and volcanoes of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The peculiarity of Puebla is that it is the only city in the world located between four volcanoes: Peak Orizaba (5747 m), Popocatepetl (5500 m, active and constantly operating, Mexico City is located on the opposite, northwestern side of the volcano), Iztaccihuatl (5220 m) and Malinche (4503 m). All four volcanoes are the highest points in Mexico and among the highest in North America, behind Mount McKinley in the United States and Mount Logan in Canada.