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Puebla Attractions
Barrio del Artista
Once occupied by textile mills this are offers several artists studios that are open to the public and is one of the best places to view local craftsman and artists at work. Art and Talavara crafts mostly knock-offs can be purchased here and on occassion there air open air concerts held in the Barrio del Artista. The "Artists' Neighborhood" is located at 8 Norte, between 4 and 6 Oriente and is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
Biblioteca Palafoxiana
The Biblioteca Palafoxiana, founded in 1646, is the first public library in America. The library houses over 43,000 volumes such as the Nuremberg Chronicle, which dates back to 1493. It also houses the Christian Doctrine, the Ortelius Atlas and the Polyglot Bible. This library museum was designated a historical monument by presidential decree and UNESCO due to its extensive collection. Biblioteca Palafoxiana faithfully conserves its tradition of intellectual and European heritage.
Casa del Alfenique
The house was built in 1791 it was the home of Ignacio Morales, a wealthy ironworker, who designed the house to be built with elaborate stucco-work resembling the famous sweet sugar candies called "alfeniques", hence the name Casa del Alfenique. The Casa del Alfenique has been completely restored and has several exhibits depicting the history of Puebla it also is home to the Regional Museum of Puebla, which is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Casa del que Mato al Animal
Casa del que Mato al Animal or in English "The House of he who Slayed the Beast" is a historic house notable for the stone carving on the door depicting hunting and slaying of animals. There are several versions of the popular name given to this colonial house. Legend has it that a Spanish conquistador lived here and he killed a giant snake that was plaguing the city. Today It is found at number 201 Avenida 3 Poniente and it currently houses the El Sol de Puebla newspaper.
Catedral
The Catedral is located in the heart of Puebla in the zocalo on 16 de Septiembre Street, on the corner of 5 Oriente. It was partially financed by Bishop Juan de Palofox y Mendoza. This building, which has 14 chapels of various styles and houses numerous works of art, such as the main cupola and the altar, which was painted by artist Cristobal de Villalpando. The two enourmos 228 foot towers are the second largest church towers in the country.
Centro Cultural Santa Rosa
The former convent now houses the Museo de Arte Popular Poblano from the states seven regions all displayed in six showrooms. A popular exhibit is located in a room with a talavera tiled kitchen where Puebla's renowned chocolate mole sauce was invented by nuns to suprise their bishop. Pueblas Craft Museum is located at 301 14 Poniente between Calles 3 and 5 Norte. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Tel: 222-232-7792.
Cholula
Cholula is located about 9 miles (15 km) west of the city of Puebla. Cholula is most famous as the site of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest man-made structure by volume in the world. Cholula also has several impressive 16 century Spanish Moorish style churches. Cholula is also a very poplular spot for nightlife, especially on weekends. The main zocalo area is filled with a wide range of bars and restaurants there is even a local university nearby.
Ex-Convento Secreto de Santa Monica
Established in 1688 as a spiritual refuge for women whose husbands were away on business. Today it is a musuem Museo de Arte Colonial Religioso. This museum displays religious art from the colonial era, including oil paintings, cult objects and old furniture from the original convents of Santa Rosa and Las Capuchinas. On display is the preserved heart of the covenant's founder. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Tel: 222-232-0178
Great Pyramid of Cholula
The Great Pyramid of Cholula, the world's largest monument and largest Pre-Columbian pyramid. According to the Guinness Book of Records, it is in fact the largest pyramid as well as the largest monument ever constructed anywhere in the world, with a total volume estimated at 4.45 million m, almost one third larger than that of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. The temple-pyramid complex was built over many dozens of generations, from the 2nd century BC to the early 16th century.
Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de los Remedios
Located in the city of Cholula atop of Great Pyramid of Cholula stands the Church of Our Lady of the Remedies, also known as the Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios, which was built by the Spanish in colonial times in 1594 on the site of a pre-Hispanic temple. The church is a major Catholic pilgrimage destination, and the site is also used for the celebration of indigenous rites. From the top offers a view of the entire city. Tours available daily from 9am to 6pm. Tel: 222-247-9081.
Inglesia Santa Domingo
The Iglesia de Santo Domingo, on the corner of Cinco de Mayo and 4 Poniente, was originally part of a Dominican monastery completed in 1611 it is one of the most elaborately decorated chapels in Mexico. The Santo Domingo Church is famous for Capilla del Rosario built in 1690 in honor of the Virgin of the Rosary, where almost every inch of the walls and ceilings are covered in gold leaf and plaster with magnificent gold-covered altarpieces of baroque and churrigueresque styles.
La Calle de las Dulces
Often reffered to as Sweets Street, this entire street offer hundred of candy stores and street vendors all competing. Puebla is known for its camote, a candy that is made from sweet potatoes and fruit. The streets bcome an eye tantalizing delight with candies in the shape of skulls, guitars, sombreros and hearts. This is the best area to experience the great tradition of making candies that synthesizes centuries of handmade work and creativity. Located on Av. 6 Oriente by Av. 5 de Mayo.
Mercado de Artesanias El Parian
The Mercado de Artesanas (El Parian), is a pedestrians-only, open-air shopping area just east of Calle 6 Norte between avenidas 2 and 6 Oriente. It is considered as the first handmade craft market in Puebla established in 1796. The market sells a varity of poblano crafts including onyx figures, candy, clothes, low quality Talavera or fake Talavara pottery. The Artisan Market shops is a excellent place to practice your bargaining skills and it is open daily from 10am to 8pm.
Museo Amparo
Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful museums in Mexico, it is home to the private collection of a wealthy Mexican banker named Manuel Espinoza Yglesias. This museum offers exquisite pre- Columbian and colonial Mexican art including silver objects, samples of talavera poblana well as a select sample of important modern and contemporary painters. Amparo Museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 6pm. Tel: 222-229-3850
Parque Zoologico African Safari
The Mexican park is divided into several sections with the African safari division being the biggest and most popular. The African Safari provides a guide that gets you up close to several animals running free, including bison, bears, lions, giraffes, rhinos, hippopotami and chimpanzees. There are also special attractions, such as a bat cave, a botanical garden. At the end of the tour there is a gift shop. The zoo and African Safari is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Tel. 222-281-7000.
San Francisco Acatepec
Contructed in 1590 honoring St. Francis with alterpieces and spiraling columns and completed to it final glory in 1750. The church named Templo de San Francisco has a surrounding wall with an impressive gate surrounded by a garden and flowers. San Francisco Acatepec church is a good example of Spanish Baroque style architecture. The entire outside is covered in colorful Talavera tiles that glow from the sun. San Francisco Acatepec is located 4 miles south of the town of Cholula
Talavera
Puebla is home to "Authentic Talavera," the earthware made in the traditional process first introduced by the Spaniards in the 1500s. Talavera is made with two different types of clay, then hand turned and left to dry for 8 to 12 weeks. Real Talavera is certified by the Mexican Talavera Regulatory Council (Consejo Regulador de Talavera). Each piece is signed at the base by the workshop and contains the DO4 certification number, indicating authenticity.
Teatro Principal
Puebla's Main Theater was completed in 1760 and is one of the oldest theater in Mexico, and is the oldest which is still functioning as a theater. It was inaugurated in 1760 with a design similar to the old Theatre de la Ciudad de Mexico. In 1940 it was completeley remoldeled in 1941 due to a horrific fire that almost destroyed the theater. The theater is host to plays and concerts it also has an excellent sound system. When it is not in use it can be visited between 10am and 5pm.
Uriarte Talavera
Operating since 1824 the Uriarte Talavera factory is one of the few remaining shops in Puebla producing authentic Talavera. At Uriarte, talavera is still produced in the way it was done 400 years ago. Tours of the factory are available to witness the complete production process: from the purifying of the clay to its shaping into tiles, urns and other decorative items, then painting, firing and final glazing of the piece. The factory produces exquisite pieces, many are for sale. Tel. 222-232-1598
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