Architectural Overload

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico.  It is a major industrial center (the world's largest Volkswagen factory outside of Germany is here), and it has its share of shiny, high rise buildings.  However the historic center of Puebla is filled with buildings from the 16th century to the early 20th century.  There is the occasional, non-descript modern building, but as you walk along the streets of old Puebla, you are overwhelmed by the quantity and variety of architectural gems around you.  It is no wonder that the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. 

The typical colonial building of Puebla has a façade with a pattern of red bricks interspersed with glazed "azulejos" or ceramic tiles, usually with white and blue designs.

One of the outstanding colonial mansions is known as the "Casa de Muñecos" (House of Effigies or Caricatures).  The name refers to the 16 human figures which decorate the façade.  One legend says that the figures were placed there to poke fun of the city councilors who had opposed the building of the house because it was taller than the city hall.

Many of the buildings are painted bright colors or are adorned with plaster "gingerbread".

I haven't even mentioned the myriad of Baroque churches which grace the city.  That will be another post.