The Callejon de los Sapos is one of the most colorful, and popular, places in Puebla. Let’s take a good look at it.
The term “Disneyesque” is used to describe places that are surrounded by an aura of perfection.
There is an area or “barrio” in Puebla which tends to be described with such a term. Its name even resembles a fairy tale land. Locals know it as the “Callejon de los Sapos” or “Alley of the Frogs.” Even frogs make appearances in stories full of magic and wonder.
The so-called “alley” is more of a narrow street (you have to see the real alleys I have experienced). The houses lining the streets showcase colonial facades and bright colors. There is a smorgasbord of vivid peach, soft lilac, pistachio green, and mustard yellow. Each building is neatly painted and pots of flowers appear at every centimeter.
Puebla is full of concentrated hues. However, at the Callejon de los Sapos, all the colors of the city converge in a way designed to overload the senses. These characteristics have contributed to the theme park fame of the area.
In my opinion, there is more than the eye sees. Yes, the alley seems impossibly perfect but I would get lost in it any day. It is a matter of taking a close look at the buildings turned businesses. You can find crafts, antiques, toys, Talavera, furniture, and more. Furthermore, you can dine, have a coffee, and even sleep in the area.
The street gains more life during the weekends. This is the time when an artisanal market takes almost every space on the floor. It is the perfect time to shop for pieces of art and rare objects hard to find anywhere else.
And let’s not forget about the name. Some stories say that in colonial times, the nearby San Francisco River used to grow on rainy days. The furious current tended to flood the alley. Locals had many methods to pump the water outside the street but ponds stayed in the area for quite an amount of time attracting frogs in considerable numbers. Even, the name of the alley comes from an interesting story.
Without further explanation, I leave you with photos of the Callejon de los Sapos.
Callejon de los Sapos Sign
Purple and yellow house
Blue building
Color in the alley
Tile Peacock
More color
Furniture store
Colorful skeletons
Furniture and toys
Door decoration
A good view of the alley
Frog with a mustache (a la Dali)
Scene from the alley
Frog fountain
More houses and businesses
Fountain and colorful houses
What do you think of the “alley”? Let me know in the comments section below.
Leigh says
Love all the colours in your photos and those frogs are pretty darned cute! The alley loks liek a great place for a stroll.
Ruth says
I love the cute frogs too! The place is so pretty. You can be hours in there browsing the interesting stores.