Biblioteca Palafoxiana, Historic library in Centro Histórico, Puebla, Mexico.
The Biblioteca Palafoxiana displays over 45,000 books and manuscripts on wooden shelves across three levels beneath a vaulted ceiling.
Bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza established this institution in 1646 by donating 5,000 volumes from his personal collection to the Catholic seminary.
The collection includes texts in classical and indigenous languages, covering subjects from theology and law to astronomy and natural sciences.
The library opens Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with an entrance fee of 40 pesos for adults and free admission on Tuesdays.
The institution holds nine incunables printed before 1500, including the Nuremberg Chronicle from 1493 and early Mexican publications from the 16th century.
Location: Puebla City
Inception: 1646
Founders: Juan de Palafox y Mendoza
Website: https://palafoxiana.com/biblioteca
GPS coordinates: 19.04250,-98.19890
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:44
The Puebla region combines colonial history, pre-Columbian heritage, and contemporary culture across a landscape of urban neighborhoods, archaeological sites, and rural communities. The city itself was founded in the 16th century and retains its colonial layout with churches, palaces, and public squares. The Biblioteca Palafoxiana is one of the oldest libraries in the Americas, housing thousands of historical volumes. Casa del Deán preserves murals from the early Spanish colonial period. Teatro Principal de Puebla is among the oldest theaters on the American continent. The Cantona Archaeological Site documents a pre-Hispanic city with extensive stone roads and ball courts. Natural attractions such as the Tulimán waterfalls near Zacatlán or Los Lavaderos de Almoloya show the surrounding landscape. Within the city, several museums address the colonial era, the Mexican Revolution, and religious art. Traditional markets like Mercado El Parían sell local handicrafts and ceramics. Neighborhoods such as Barrio del Artista draw painters and visitors. Parks, gardens, and modern installations like the Estrella de Puebla observation wheel complement the historical offerings.
Puebla Cathedral
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Amparo Museum
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Casa del Alfeñique
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Museo Amparo
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Zócalo
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Municipal Hall of Puebla
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Casa del Deán
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Edificio Carolino
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Templo de la Concordia de Sacerdotes del Oratorio de San Felipe Neri de Puebla.
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Templo de la Limpia Concepción
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El Hospitalito
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Teatro de la Ciudad de Puebla
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Capilla del Sagrario Metropolitano de Puebla
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Patio de los Azulejos
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Capilla del Arte
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Building of the Congress of Puebla
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Casa de la Cultura en Puebla
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Saint Jerome Church
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Our Lady of Solitude Church in Puebla, Puebla
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Monumento al Sitio de Puebla
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Antiguo Banco Oriental
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Casa Presno
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Parish of Santa Clara
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Museo "José Luis Bello y González"
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Iglesia de San Pedro
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Casa de la Palma
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Alley of the frogs
322 mReviews
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