City of Tlaxcala
The City of Tlaxcala is one of the smallest capitals in one of the smallest states in the country, but it still has a lot to offer. Tlaxcala offers very pleasant surroundings, with impeccable streets, brilliant colonial monuments and a luminous and tranquil atmosphere.
Visitors are impressed by the range of colonial structures in the city. A tour of this colorful city should begin in the main plaza, which is surrounded by 100 year old trees that offer their cozy shade to passersby. A small kiosk and an octagonal fountain are located in the center of the plaza. The fountain was presented at the end of the 17th century by King Felip IV to Tlaxcala in recognition for its part in the conquest of Mexico.
The current Government Palace is the ancient Casa Real erected in 1545. It once served as a residence for Hernán Cortés and various viceroys. Next to the Government Palace are the Municipal Palace and the City Council with its showy post office in perfect harmony with the rest of the adjoining architecture. The San José Parish is located on the other side of the plaza, with it beautiful façade of Talavera bricks and tiles.
Other places of interest are the Tlaxcala Palace of Justice (ancient Indian Chapel), the Secretary of Tourism, the Cultural Palace, the Incarnation Hospital, the Jorge "Ranchero" Aguilar Bullring, the San Francisco Convent, the San José Temple, the Tlaxcala Art Gallery and the botanical garden.
The quality architecture and rich history are apparent in many corners of the city. Other interesting structures include: the Tlaxcala Cathedral, the Open Chapel of San Francisco Convent, the Posa Chapel, the Our Lady of Ocotlán Sanctuary, the Pocito de Agua Milagrosa Chapel, the San Nicolasito Chapel, the old Municipal Palace, the Xicohténcatl Theater, the Tizatlán Open Chapel, the San Esteban Temple, the Tizatlán Archeological Zone and the hermitage of San Buenaventura Atempan.
The cultural and ancestral history of Tlaxcala can be appreciated in its museums. Among these are: the Tlaxcala Regional Museum, the State Art Gallery, the Ocotelulco Site Museum, the Tizatlán Site Museum, and the Popular Arts and Traditions Museum.
Apizaco
Apizaco is a young city that was born as a result of the railroad construction in the middle of the nineteenth century. Its tranquil streets and modest structures reflect the commercial activity that took place there. It is known for its carved wooden furniture and famous walking sticks that might have once helped an old native gentleman.
Apizaco has a strong bullfighting influence which is reflected by the cattle ranches in the area as well as many running of the bulls festivities in their well known bullring.
Some of the most visited places in this area are the Our Lady of the Misericordia Basilica, the El Calvario Chapel, the Santa Anita Temple, the Santa María Texcalac Monastery and Church, the old Santa María Texcalac Convent, the San Luis Spinning, Weaving and Printing Factory, the Actipan Hacienda, the Railroad Station, the No. 212 Steam Engine (Monument to the Nacozari Hero), and the San Luis Rey de Francia Temple.
Chiautempan
Chiautempan is a small town whose main activity is making sarapes, ponchos, and wool blankets. Another characteristic of this town is their frequent religious celebrations. The inhabitants are considered the most traditional people living in Tlaxcala since they closely guard their customs and many still even speak their indigenous languages.
Although Chiautempan is small, it offers a large variety of attractions. The most outstanding historical monuments here are the old Our Lady of Los Angeles Franciscan Temple, the Our Lady of Santa Ana Parish, the Our Lady of Carmen Parish, the La Soledad Temple, the San Juan Tzitzimpa Hacienda and Miguel Hidalgo Park.
Huamantla
Huamantla is a typical colonial city that was founded in 1534. The Huamantla Fair is popular for the "Noche que Nadie Duerme" or "Night Nobody Sleeps" celebrated August 14-15. The fair also features flower carpets in honor of the virgin of charity, donkey races and car races.
An important part of Huamantla's history includes a chapter in defense of the nation. In 1847, the United States invaded in the Battle of Huamantla. Many Tlaxcaltecas were killed in defense of Mexican land and were later recognized with the title "Heroic Huamantla".
Like the majority of cities in Tlaxcala and this region of the country, its colonial and pre-Columbian architectural wealth is clearly evident. The most popular and beautiful structures include: the pre-Hispanic Columns, the old San Luis Convent, the Señor del Desposo Temple, the San Luis Parish, the Old Cural House and the Municipal Palace.
As a result of the way the country was populated after the conquest, haciendas became one of the most common forms of housing. These structures have become a part of the regional culture and are popular tourist attractions. Some of these include: San Cristóbal Lagunas, Rancho La Noria, El Balcón, La Compañia, Guadalupe, San Francisco, Soltepec, San Martín Notario, El Molino, La Natividad, San Francisco Tecoac, San Miguel Báez, and Santiago Brito among others.
The Huamantlada, the brave celebration is also part of the regional culture. Cattle ranching and bullfights are very important in this society. The Monument to the Bull is a grand sculpture by Diódoro Rodríguez Anaya.
The museums in the area are also very interesting with their displays of history and culture. Some of these include the National Puppet Museum and the Bullfighting Museum.
