Cholula De Rivadavia: Pyramids, Churches and Traditions

Cholula De Rivadavia brings together archaeological history, sacred architecture, and living traditions. Construction of the main temple in the Zona Arqueológica de Cholula began in the 2nd century BC and is said to have been completed between 900 and 1100 AD. The cultural offerings also include museums, chapels, and historic buildings. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering whether you are most interested in early history, religious art, or cultural experiences.

Pyramid and pre-Hispanic history

The pyramid in the Zona Arqueológica de Cholula is considered the largest in the world by ground area. It is more than 400 meters long on each side, 66 meters high, and has a volume of about 4.5 million cubic meters. These measurements give a concrete sense of the scale of the structure. Construction of the main temple began in the 2nd century BC; it is said to have been completed between 900 and 1100 AD. This long time span is one of the notable aspects of the site’s history.

The Museo de Sitio de Cholula complements this archaeological focus. Built specifically as a museum, it has three permanent exhibition rooms on one level. The exhibits provide a chronological overview of Cholula’s pre-Hispanic development. Ceramics and archaeological finds are presented alongside topics such as burial customs and contact with the Spanish; reproductions of murals further expand the presentation. Explanatory panels are available in Spanish and English. This allows you to focus your exploration either on the structure’s scale or on its historical context.

Church art and historic buildings

The Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios was built on Tlachihualtepetl, the Great Pyramid of Cholula. As a regional pilgrimage center, it is associated with the image of the Virgen de los Remedios, which is venerated as miraculous. The interior also shapes the character of the sanctuary: it is designed in the Republican Baroque style, with wood and plaster altars and gilded decoration on the vaults and walls. The raised dome is clad on the outside with Talavera tiles. From the atrium, you can see the Cholula Valley and, in the distance, the Popocatépetl volcano.

The Capilla Real o de Naturales offers another architectural feature. It has seven naves and 49 domes, and its interior is considered unique. Historic features also include a monumental 16th-century holy water font carved from a single block of stone and an atrium cross carved in 1668. Those interested in church art will find clear differences here in spatial design, materials, and decoration.

In the center of San Pedro Cholula, the Convento de San Gabriel stands on the site of a former temple dedicated to Quetzalcóatl. Its cornerstone was laid on February 7, 1549. The Convento was completed in 1552 and consecrated on April 30 of that year. The Casa del Caballero Águila adds to the picture of historic architecture: it is one of the oldest surviving secular buildings from the New Spain period in the Cholula region. Its ground floor dates to the 16th century, and the upper floor to the 17th century. On September 16, 2015, the house reopened with exhibitions of painting, sculpture, and photography.

The Parroquia de San Pedro can also be understood through its architectural features. Its tower is considered the tallest among Cholula’s churches. The dome is in the Churrigueresque style and has eight windows with Estípites. Together with the different forms of the Capilla Real and the Santuario, it contributes to a multifaceted picture of sacred architecture.

Traditions and different travel interests

At the Milenario Trueque, people exchange fruit, vegetables, baskets, handmade clothing, and products made of clay and wood. In 2025, the event drew more than 100,000 visitors and over 3,300 artisans from different communities and Mexican states. These figures refer to 2025. For a different perspective on Cholula, Tranvía Tip Tours offers a panoramic tram tour.

For the broader travel overview: Tlaxcalancingo.