Orizaba, Colonial city in Veracruz, Mexico
Orizaba is a city in Veracruz state, located in a fertile valley between the port of Veracruz and the capital. Buildings cluster around several squares, and from many streets the snow-capped peak of Citlaltépetl is visible, shaping the landscape.
The settlement was founded in the 16th century on the site of an Aztec garrison and received its city charter in 1774. During the 19th century it grew into a major center for tobacco production, shaping its economic development.
The name comes from the Aztec Ahuaializapan and recalls the original inhabitants, while the downtown area today revolves around a paved square with arcades and cafés. People gather here in the evening for walks, and on weekends families fill the benches under the trees.
The city sits on major routes connecting Mexico City with the Gulf Coast, and travelers find buses and trains heading in both directions. From the center, roads lead in all directions, and pedestrians move easily between the main squares and markets.
A botanical garden on the edge of town cultivates orchids under controlled conditions and collects plant species from the surrounding forests and slopes. Visitors see here plants that are hard to find in the wild, including native ferns and bromeliads.
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