City history
Explore the storied history of Puebla, from its Spanish colonial foundation in 1531 to its modern role as a cultural and scientific hub in Mexico.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"City of the Angels"
The city was founded as a planned Spanish settlement in 1531; specific indigenous names for the urban site prior to this are not documented.
City of the Angels
The original formal name given during the Spanish colonial period to denote its divine purpose and status.
Chapter two
Mexico officially abolished the seasonal clock change for most of the country, ensuring Puebla remains on standard time year-round.
The integration of Puebla into a unified national time standard facilitated by the expansion of the Mexican railway system.
Chapter three
The city was established as a strategic residential center for Spanish colonists in the central valley of Mexico.
The introduction of the railway connecting Puebla to Mexico City and Veracruz revolutionized regional commerce and timekeeping.
The establishment of the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla marked a critical era of academic and scientific growth.
The historic center of Puebla was designated a World Heritage site due to its unique Spanish colonial urban planning.