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Puebla is the name of a city and a state in Mexico. This article is about the city. For the state, see: State of Puebla.
The city of Puebla – known more formally as "Heróica Puebla de Zaragoza" or less formally as "La Angelópolis" or "Puebla de los Angeles" – is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of the same name, and fourth largest city of Mexico.
Puebla is located just over 110 km south-east of Mexico City at 19.05°N 98.22°W and, in 2004, had an estimated population of 1,650,000 people with 3,000,000 in contiguous towns and sections (5,000,000)
The historic center of the city still contains much Spanish Colonial architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the historical buildings have been impressively restored; others, however, are in an abject state of disrepair.
Of all the colonial buildings, the most impressive are without any doubt the Cathedral, in a somewhat mixed neoclassical style, as well as the Rosario Chapel, a dramatic example of Mexican baroque.
General Ignacio Zaragoza's army defeated French expeditionary forces near Puebla on May 5, 1862, in the Battle of Puebla.
Also, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, Playwright, Writer and Poet and a Nun of the Colonial Period lived a prolific life until her confrontation with the Bishop of Puebla.
In 2003-2004, Puebla is serving as the interim headquarters of the Free Trade Area of the Americas. It has also submitted its candidacy to serve as the permanent headquarters once the FTAA is up and running.
Puebla is home to the Mexican headquarters and main manufacturing site of Volkswagen where the new VW Beetle is produced.
Puebla is considered the home of mole, a rich, spicy sauce containing chocolate, cinnamon and nuts. "Camote", a tubercule akin to potato and cooked in a stove is also a delicacy. "Rompope" or alcohol based egg nog is also a staple, created many years ago by Puebla's Nuns. Chiles en Nogada, a superb dish filled with meat, fruits and almonds is prepared only in special occasions, Los dulces de Santa Clara, crystal, camote, and milk candies are the delight of visitors with a sweet tooth.
Important locations include "La Capilla del Rosario" a chapel inlaid with gold and milk, "El Barrio del Artista" where exquisite arts are produced and the busling "El Centro y Zocalo" where the centuries old Cathedral and the "Palacio Municipal" remain the heart of the city.
In Puebla was created the folkloric Mexican women's dress named China Poblana.
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