PUEBLA
The City of 365 Churches
Puebla’s Iconic Landmarks:
La Catedral Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción
The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Mary is the most important religious building in the city. Its construction began in the 16th century. In the 17th century, it was the most sumptuous cathedral in America. Today it is considered a very important repository of New Spain’s sacred art.
The history of its construction is inextricably linked to Blessed Juan de Palafox y Mendoza who, being bishop of Angelopolis, consecrated it in 1649.
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
It was the church of the Dominican order adjacent to a large convent complex – now non-existent – of the order of preachers.
This temple is distinguished by having a splendid baroque interior and has an outstanding chapel adjacent to its main nave: The Chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary, which is a masterpiece of the regional baroque style, built in the transition from the 17th to the 18th centuries.
Templo de San Francisco de Asís
This is the oldest and most impressive temple in the city, built right on the spot where the Puebla de los Ángeles was founded in 1531. It was Fray Toribio de Benavente, named by the Motolinía Indians, who laid the first stone for its construction.
Its high tower and colorful façade are in the Baroque style with a vernacular touch, as it expressively combines local materials. Inside is the chapel that houses the mummified body of Blessed Sebastián de Aparicio, patron protector of transporters and where the Virgin Conquistadora is also venerated.
The small image was brought with him, wrapped in a lan bag by the conquistador Hernán Cortés.
Convento de Huejotzingo
The Franciscan convent of San Miguel Arcángel in Huejotzingo captivates with the magic of the surrounding environment. It is a prominent example of the architecture of the century of evangelization in Mexico. In the extensive atrium, its atrial cross and the 4 chapels stand out.
During the 16th century, it was one of the first and most important monasteries established by the Seraphic order in central Mexico. Its construction began in 1525.
The convent today functions as a Franciscan museum assisted by the order.
Cholula
Now conurbated with Puebla, Cholula is likely the oldest city in the Americas, with urban origins predating written history. Known for its many churches, it’s said to have a temple for every day of the year. Its iconic Great Pyramid is topped by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. The main square hosts a 16th-century Franciscan complex featuring Renaissance and Gothic styles. Nearby, San Francisco Acatepec and Santa María Tonantzintla boast stunning Baroque folk art and Talavera-tiled facades.
Santuario Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, located in Cholula, Puebla, Mexico, is a significant religious and historical site. Constructed in 1594 atop the Tlachihualtepetl pyramid, it symbolizes the Spanish conquest and evangelization efforts. The church is renowned for its neoclassical altar and gilded interiors. From its atrium, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valley and the Popocatépetl volcano. The sanctuary remains a vital pilgrimage destination, especially during the annual feast on September 8.
Capilla del Rosario
Located within the Templo de Santo Domingo in Puebla, is a masterpiece of 17th-century New Spanish Baroque architecture. Constructed between 1650 and 1690, it was the first chapel in Mexico dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary. Known as “The House of Gold,” its interior is adorned with 22-karat gold leaf, intricate stucco reliefs, and symbolic religious art. Highlights include a gilded dome featuring 60 angelic figures and an ornate altar honoring the Virgin Mary. The chapel’s lavish design and historical significance have earned it the moniker “reliquary of America”.
Iglesia de Santa María Tonantzintla
The Church of Santa María Tonantzintla, located in San Andrés Cholula, Puebla, is a unique example of indigenous Baroque architecture. Constructed over several centuries, its interior is renowned for its exuberant decoration, blending Catholic and indigenous elements. The walls and ceilings are adorned with vibrant stucco reliefs depicting angels with indigenous features, fruits, and flowers native to the Americas. This fusion reflects the syncretism between pre-Hispanic beliefs and Catholicism. The church’s name, “Tonantzintla,” derives from the Nahuatl language, meaning “place of our little mother,” honoring the Aztec goddess Tonantzin, later associated with the Virgin Mary. The church remains a significant cultural and religious site, attracting visitors interested in its rich history and artistic heritage.
The Religious Tourism & Pilgrimage Specialists
Welcome to Tours Peregrinos Mexico, the only religious tourism and pilgrimage tour operator specializing in the organization and logistics of Catholic Journeys in Mexico.
Tours Peregrinos Mexico has that experience, along with extensive knowledge of the religious-cultural destinations of Mexico. Our devout Catholic staff are multi-lingual, multi-faceted and highly prepared to assist you and your plans of pilgrimaging into Mexico’s religious corners and sites.
With comprehensive experience with continuous communion with Mexico’s numerous sacred sites and care-takers, Tours Peregrinos Mexico has built a relationship not only based on faith but on respect and integrity, allowing us access to sites, locations and events that would otherwise be impossible to be given access to. Allow Tours Peregrinos Mexico to be your guide to the culture and faith of Mexico.
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