Puebla Cathedral (Catedral de Puebla)

Construction began on the Puebla Cathedral around 1535, although work wasn’t completed until the 17th century. As a result, this fixture of the Puebla skyline features a mishmash of architectural styles, including a baroque interior with an octagonal altar and Renaissance facades.

See the exterior from the top deck of a hop-on hop-off bus, or gain a deeper understanding of the cathedral’s history and architecture during a shared or private city tour. These tours typically include visits to other nearby attractions, such as the Biblioteca Palafoxiana, food tastings, or stops at Talavera tile factories, making them ideal for first-time visitors.

• Puebla Cathedral is a must-visit for fans of architecture in the city of Puebla, designated a World Heritage City.

• The cathedral hosts regular choral performances.

• It’s free to enter the cathedral.

• Puebla Cathedral may not be fully wheelchair or stroller accessible.

Puebla Cathedral is situated at the heart of Puebla’s historic downtown, next to the zocalo (central plaza). Excursions from Mexico City that stop at Puebla Cathedral typically include round-trip transportation, while most visitors based in Puebla easily reach the cathedral on foot.

Puebla Cathedral is open daily to the public, usually from early in the morning until the evening. Visit on Sunday to see the cathedral at its most vibrant, or stop by midweek for a quieter experience.

The colonial city of Puebla—also known as Puebla de Los Ángeles—has such an abundance of churches that it can be overwhelming to know where to begin. After visiting the cathedral, make time for the gold-drenched Santo Domingo Temple, the San Ildefonso Chapel—now a cultural center—and the Ex Convent of Santa Monica, the supposed birthplace of the classic Pueblan dish,chiles en nogada.