Puebla is renowned for one of the most notable battles in Mexico, which took place on May 5, 1862 against the French. 6,000 French soldiers sent by Napoleon III to Mexico City were defeated by 2,000 poorly armed Mexicans. Today, Cinco de Mayo is an important holiday celebrating the victory at Puebla.
Following an earthquake in Puebla in September 2017, many of the citys most famous attractions have now been rebuilt and are ready to host visitors again all be it virtual visitors like me today.
Puebla has a reputation for strong religious roots. The Spanish built the city at the intersection of two rivers and dubbed it their new Jerusalem. There are 365 churches, locals say one for every day of the year.
Construction of the Cathedral started in 1557 and was for another 211 years. When it was finally finished in 1690, its two bell towers
(one of which has no bells) stood at 226 feet, making them the tallest in Mexico and perhaps all of Latin America. The Cathedral is the second largest in the country.
We learnt about the Pardon Door or Holy Door. The doors are normally sealed by mortar and cement from the inside so that they cannot be opened. They are ceremoniously opened during Jubilee years designated by the Pope, for pilgrims who enter through those doors to forgive their sins.
The cast iron angels on the fence surrounding the cathedral have lights in their hand which must look quite spectacular with the backdrop of the cathedral at night.
As we walked around with Ernie, our guide, we saw so many beautiful historic buildings, including fine colonial mansions. The Amparo Museum is in two buildings, at the top of the museum, on its roof terrace, there is a very nice restaurant and cafe with views over the city but no chance for us to visit today.
The Hotel Colonial is catalogued as an Historic Monument, because of its magnificent colonial architecture. The hotel elevator is one of the oldest working
We came across a pretty area known as Artists Neighbourhood, the area has numerous spaces for artists to work and to exhibit.
Passing a market area with colourful houses we saw Talavera pottery, one of Pueblas proudest exports. The mud is baked, glazed, and most traditionally in blue and white patterns. No time to stop and buy though today.
Our tour to an end but not before we saw another beautiful building, San Francisco church, with baroque columns and beautiful carvings, guarded by a high tower, built in cantera stone from the surrounding mountains.
Today, the churchs convent has been converted into a school, but the church still hosts masses and can be visited by the general public. This is one of the oldest churches in the city.
These virtual tours are definitely taking me to some beautiful and interesting places during lockdown. #virtualtrips.
