Puebla (de Los Angeles)

Puebla is another jewel in the heartland of Mexico. It’s the fourth-largest city in Mexico. It’s famous for fomenting the beginning of the 1910 revolution which overthrew the dictator Porfirio Diaz; its churches and mansions; its Volkswagen plant northwest of downtown; Talavera pottery, which is a fusion of Arabic, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese influences; mole, a Mexican dish which is a mixture of chocolate, almonds, chilis, spices, and fruit; and for being the site of the 1862 Battle of Puebla.

I started Saturday in downtown, a World Heritage site itself. I passed no less than 20 covenants, including San Cristobal, Santa Monica, and Santa Rosa. The main church is the Cathedral, which dates back to the 1600s, and is the second largest cathedral in Mexico. There was a mass when I entered so I couldn’t explore. I was disappointed that the principal site I wanted to visit was closed: The Biblioteca (library) Palafoxiana, which houses 50000 volumes.

I passed the stench of an outdoor seafood market, as well as Calle 6 Oriente, where vendors sell sweets and other confections. I stood in front of the Teatro Principal, the Museo de la Revolution Mexicana, which is supposedly where the 1910 revolution started, and then walked through the Barrio del Artista, or the Artist’s Quarter. Next to the Barrio del Artista is El Parian, a warren of activity and small shops selling blankets, post cards, and jewelry. I took a picture of the Casa del Alfenique, which is a sugar and almond paste which forms the plaster of the façade.

The next day I passed the Volkswagen plant on the way to the battle site of the Battle of Puebla, which took place May 5, 1862. The Mexican army led by Ignacio Zaragoza, along with Amerindians, defeated the French army, only to fall one year later. Today there’s museum there explains Mexico’s struggle of justice and independence.

Kevin

The outdoor seafood market in Puebla. The stench was overwhelming.

The main cathedral of Puebla. Downtown Puebla is a treasure. It's plaza and outdoor markets are pedestrian-friendly, and the architecture is incredible.

The central plaza of Puebla, adjacent to the Cathedral, and next to a warren of shops, restaurants, outdoor cafes, and outdoor stores.

The artesinal market, downtown Puebla.

The beautiful colors of Puebla. Some of these buildings are stores, some are homes.

El Teatro Principal. There are many theaters, but this one stands out for its beauty and history.

El Barrio de la Artista.

La Casa de La Alfenique

The museum at the site of the Battle of Puebla. The patio offers a great view of the city.