Atlixco: Monastery Architecture, Crafts and Valley Views

Atlixco lies on the slopes of the Popocatépetl volcano. Historic buildings, traditional crafts, a festival featuring dance groups from Puebla, and views across the valley give the town its many facets. Atlixco also has its own culinary specialty: at the Feria de la Cecina, a traditional preparation of finely sliced beef is served.

Historic Buildings from Several Centuries

The Zona de Monumentos Históricos de Atlixco was designated a historic monument zone on May 27, 1988. It comprises 43 blocks with buildings of historical and architectural value dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. For visitors interested in architectural history, this offers a broad timeframe: the protected buildings do not belong to just one era.

Several religious buildings provide concrete points of reference for this history. The Convento de San Francisco is a 16th-century building. The nave of La Natividad de Nuestra Señora dates from the first half of the same century; the church is opposite the Plaza de Armas. The Capilla del Tercer Orden de San Francisco dates from later: it was built in the late 16th or early 17th century and has a Latin cross floor plan.

Both the start and completion of construction at the Convento y Templo de San Agustín are documented. Work began in 1546 with the authorization of Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza and was completed in 1629. Together with the 16th-century buildings, this complex shows that Atlixco’s architectural history spans several periods. The different details about construction dates and floor plans offer culturally curious travelers concrete points of reference as they explore each building.

Views from Cerro de San Miguel

The four Miradores del Cerro de San Miguel offer a different perspective. From them, the views stretch toward the bell towers of Atlixco’s monastery complexes and across the valley. The panorama brings together two aspects of the town: the landscape on the slopes of Popocatépetl and the striking monastery buildings. Travelers looking to focus their trip more on either the landscape or the architecture will find a fitting theme here, without having to choose between the two.

Crafts and Dance from Puebla

Atlixco’s craft traditions include objects made from natural-colored and polychrome clay, embroidered shirts and candles. This selection brings together different materials and techniques, with clay work alongside textiles and candles. At the Huey Atlixcáyotl, dance groups from the state of Puebla’s eleven ethnographic regions perform. These lively dance performances add another cultural dimension to the town’s architecture and crafts.

Cecina at the Feria de la Cecina

At the Feria de la Cecina, skilled craftspeople prepare Atlixco’s traditional cecina from finely sliced beef. The meat is cooked on a comal and served with handmade tortillas, avocado from Atlixco and nopales, along with cream and chiles or salsa. The preparation makes the dish a specific culinary feature of a trip: it pairs cecina with other ingredients and a particular way of cooking and serving it.

Getting There from Puebla

Atlixco is accessible by bus from the CAPU terminal via Línea Oro and Erco. Those traveling by car from Puebla can take the toll Vía Atlixcayotl or Federal Highway 190. One difference is explicitly noted for route planning: the Vía Atlixcayotl has a toll, while Federal Highway 190 is listed as another connection. The bus and car options help you plan your journey according to your preferred mode of transport.

Discover More Destinations

Acatzingo De Hidalgo, San Martín Texmelucan De Labastida, Tehuacán, San Juan Atzompa, Xicotepec De Juárez, San Pedro Cholula, San José Ayotla, Tetela De Ocampo

For the broader travel overview: Puebla.