City Guide: Puebla

Puebla is caught in stereotypes.

As a symbol of conservatism, Puebla is sometimes too centered on its colonial-era architecture and very Catholic about its views, yet the city is much more relaxed than you expect.

On your trip to the city you will see that it holds true about having an easy lifestyle. From a room in cheap hotel in Puebla to luxury offers all are available at Booked.net. Our listings include maps, photos and secure forms.

You can make all prejudice about this city go away if you visit one of its upscale restaurants. The point is that Puebla is the Gastronomic Capital of Mexico, so you will be seduced by its spicy cuisine from tasty Mole, Chalupas and Chiles en Nogada, Cemitas. It is said that those who didn't try dining at Puebla, have never tried Mexican cuisine at all.

But Puebla is much more than a cluster of restaurants. Its old-world architecture, vivid plazas and massive churches attract millions of people for sightseeing. In fact, the city is the most attractive for touring and since 1987 its historic part has been UNESCO treasured.

Attractions include;

• Los Fuertes, a historic fort atop the Cerro de Guadalupe and a place of the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862

• Zocalo, a historic downtown dotted with beautiful examples of colonial architecture

• Cathedral, the tallest church tower in Mexico

• Palafoxian Library, built in the 18th century and it contains a unique collection of books

• Africam Safari, a zoo park with African animals on display

Culture is not the only amazing thing about Puebla. The city is also a showplace for a unique natural environment. Sitting in the very heart of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt, Puebla is home to the most famous volcanoes - the Popocatépetl and the Iztaccíhuatl.

In 1999 the greatest benefit of Puebla – its volcanic background - turned to a dreadful force that smashed the city's downtown. The greatest hit experienced the Centro Histórico and the earthquake itself was measured about 6.9 on the Richter scale. It took years of recovery to come back to its former shape, but Puebla managed to renovate its colonial imprint and today it bears a pride of its historic face.

Founded in 1631, the city of Puebla's full name is “La Puebla de los Ángeles”. It experienced a very fast growth because of its strategic location sitting half-way from the port of Veracruz and close to Mexico City. It was in the 20th century that the European immigrants boosted the city coming from Germany and Italy. You can see this foreign presence while touring “Colonia Humboldt” neighborhood or experience a ''little France'' at Chipilo.

Puebla absorbed the best from foreign influences and today offers a full range of experiences, while Booked.net can take care of your stay.