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Puebla, Mexico
General Information
Regional secretariat
None
Administrative status
Capital of the State of Puebla
Historic Center of Puebla
Registration Year
1987
Historical function
Politics and industry
Location and site
Between the two ranges of the Sierra Madre, not far from volcanic summits, Puebla is situated in a high fertile valley at 2,000 m. above sea level. Southeast of Mexico, it was on the route that connected the capital to the port of Vera Cruz, close to the pre-Hispanic city of Cholula.
Urban morphology
Puebla extends through the Cuetlaxcoapan Valley as a rectilinear grid made up of relatively wide streets. While most of the major arteries follow the regular orientation of the plan, one main street, the “Diagonale de los Defensores de la Republica,” crosses the city on a diagonal. Puebla’s Zocalo, the central esplanade of the historic area, is considered one of the great achievements of colonial urban planning.
Puebla is a large city with several sumptuous 18th-century Baroque churches and a number of convents. Its colonial architecture is famous for its colourful glazes (azulejos). This material, which is used for the cupolas of the churches and the walls of the dwellings alike, ensures the unity of the architectural landscape.
Registration criteria
Criterion (ii): Puebla’s strategic location on a major transportation corridor permitted the exportation of its regional style of Baroque architecture, a fusion of European and indigenous styles, after the 16th century. The urban design of the historic centre based on a Renaissance grid plan has exerted a considerable influence on the creation of colonial cities across the country.
Criterion (iv): As an untouched urban network, the Historic Centre of Puebla is composed of major religious buildings such as the Cathedral, the churches of Santo Domingo, San Francisco, and the Jesuit Church, superb palaces including the old archbishop’s palace the location of the Palafox Library, the university, and many houses whose walls are covered with gaily coloured tiles (azulejos).
Historical reference
- The colonial site of Puebla played a major role in the history of New Spain and Mexico. Its urban design, which dates to the 16th century and was inspired by the Renaissance, influenced the development of other cities in the New World.
- In 1539 Puebla became the Episcopal See and then experienced rapid development. By the 17th century, it had supplanted Cholula, which was 12 km. away.
- After enjoying prosperity in the 18th century, Puebla became the site of a series of confrontations in the 19th century. In particular, it was the site of most of the popular struggles related to the establishment of Independent Mexico and the revolutionary movement of 1910.
- In 1862, the French expeditionary force was defeated by the Mexicans in Puebla; this feat is celebrated on Mexico’s National Day. Following the Reform laws of 1857, and especially after 1880, the city underwent development, including the construction of new parks and avenues which, since 1950, have enjoyed spectacular growth in all four directions.
Photos
News
1 April 2014
‘’My city, our World Heritage’’ video competition – Awarding of prize in Publa, Mexico
Puebla, Mexico
30 January 2012
International Video Production Competition “My City, Our World Heritage” – Interview with the Mayor of Puebla
Puebla, Mexico
Contact
Sra. Claudia Rivera Vivanco
Presidenta Municipal
Ayuntamiento de Puebla
Juan de Palafox y Mendoza 14 Col. Centro de la Ciudad de Puebla
Puebla, México
C.P. 72000
01 (222) 309 43 00 Ext. 261
[email protected]
Sr. Eduardo Peniche García
Secretario de Desarrollo Económico
H. Ayuntamiento de Puebla
Avenida Reforma No.113 Primer Piso Col. Centro
Puebla, México
72000
01 (222) 3094600 ext. 6996
[email protected]
Sr. Ollin Rivera Moreno
Director de Relaciones Públicas e Internacionales
H. Ayuntamiento de Puebla
Av. Juan de Palafox y Mendoza No. 14, Centro Histórico
Puebla, México
72000
01 (222) 309 43 00 Ext. 111
[email protected]
Sra. Marta Teresa Ornelas Guerrero
Regidor, Presidente de la Comisión de Turismo, Arte y Cultura
H. Ayuntamiento de Puebla
4 Oriente No. 11, Col. Centro
Puebla, México
72000
01 (222) 309 48 00 Ext. 5532
[email protected]
Sr. Jorge Eduardo Covián Carrizales
Regidor, Presidente de la Comisión de Centro Histórico
H. Ayuntamiento de Puebla
4 Oriente No. 11, Col. Centro
Puebla, México
72000
01 (222) 309 48 00 Ext. 5503
[email protected]
Sra. Lirio Azhalia González Luna
Secretaria de Turismo Municipal
H. Ayuntamiento de Puebla
Avenida Reforma No.113 Cuarto Piso Col. Centro
Puebla, México
72000
01 (222) 309 46 00 ext. 5986
[email protected]
Sra. Lilia Antonia Martínez Y Torres
Gerente del Centro Histórico y Patrimonio Cultural
H. Ayuntamiento de Puebla
Calle Tlaxcala No. 47, 2do. Piso, Col. San Rafael Oriente
Puebla, México
72020
3 09 46 00 ext. 6030
[email protected]
Sra. Vanya Ponce Valerio
Jefa de departamento
Dirección de inventario de monumentos y regulación de áreas patrimoniales
Ayuntamiento de Puebla
Puebla, México
72530
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