Last Monday, I published the last post covering my visit to the city of Puebla. It has been a wonderful journey exposing some of the best features of this unbelievable city.
I would like to end my coverage of the city with seventeen interesting facts. Hopefully you would get intrigued and plan a visit as soon as possible. Without further ado, here are 17 interesting facts about Puebla:
1. Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico. It has a metro population of more than 2.5 million.
2. The 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.
3. The German brand Volkswagen operates its second largest (outside Germany) manufacturing facility in Puebla
4. Cuexcomate (clay pot in Nahuatl) located in the city of Puebla is considered the world smallest volcano.
5. Poblanos are known by their accents. Some say they started to speak a rhythmical Spanish when they used to mock the accent of the French (which attacked and ruled Mexico for some time).
Color in the alley
6. The historic center of the city of Puebla was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Center in 1987. Over 5,000 buildings were included in the catalogue.
7. 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 Memory of the World.
8. 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.
9. The bell towers of Puebla’s Cathedral are the tallest in Mexico (70 meters).
10. Many sources consider the mole poblano Mexico’s national dish. Puebla is also famous for other dishes such as chiles en nogada and cemitas.
Part of the San Francisco Convent
11. The vibe of Puebla cannot be absorbed by visiting as a day trip from Mexico City (very popular thing to do). There are just too many sights to see, too many dishes to try and too many legends to hear.
12. Puebla City is only second to Mexico City in number of universities. That gives the city vibrancy, youthfulness and tons of taquerias open till dawn hours.
13. It would be a crime not to visit one of the city’s famous markets. Some to try: “5 de Mayo,” “El Parral,” “del Carmen,” “La Acocota.”
14. The city has its own mural “barrio” called Xanenetla.
15. A ceramic style called Talavera (originated in Puebla) is admired worldwide. Tiles created using this style decorate many of the city’s buildings.
Convention Center (Centro de Convicciones)
16. 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.
17. 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).
I had tons of fun writing about this pulsating city. Here is a summary of the posts having in mind the city of angels:
The Quest for the Perfect Cemita in Puebla
El Parian: A Market with an Interesting Name
Casa del Dean: Small Museum, Old Murals
The Delicious Gastronomy of Puebla
Callejon de los Sapos: Splash of Color in Puebla
Paseo de San Francisco: Where Old and New Puebla Meet
Guadalupe Fort: Location of the Battle of Puebla
Loreto Fort: History Packed in a Small Place
Cholula: The Oldest Living City in America
What surprised you most about these facts about Puebla? Let me know in the comments section below.
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