Tlaxcala: Architecture, Museums and Traditions

Tlaxcala tells the story of its city through very different places: a former Franciscan monastery now houses a regional museum, the cathedral has a wooden Mudéjar-style ceiling, and murals at the Palacio Municipal depict the city’s history. There are also museums dedicated to art, crafts and regional history, as well as a distinctive carnival tradition. If culture and architectural history shape your travel decisions, these themes offer a concrete basis for choosing Tlaxcala as the destination for your holiday rental search.

The historic centre and its architectural history

The Zona de Monumentos Históricos de Tlaxcala de Xicohténcatl was designated on 11 April 1986. It covers 0.503 square kilometres and consists of 33 blocks containing buildings of historical and architectural significance. The Parque Nacional Xicoténcatl also includes the city’s historic centre. This brings two different perspectives on the same urban area together: the historical significance of its buildings and the centre’s inclusion in a national park area.

One striking building is the Ex Convento Franciscano de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. It was one of the first four Franciscan monasteries in the Americas, preserves much of its original architecture and now houses the Museo Regional de Tlaxcala. The cathedral, also dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, offers a different architectural accent with its Mudéjar-style wooden ceiling. The comparison is worthwhile precisely because of the contrasting details: here, the focus is on the preserved monastery architecture; there, on an intricately designed ceiling inside the building.

At the Palacio Municipal, the story continues into the mid-16th century. The building was constructed at that time as the seat of the Indigenous city council; its present-day murals depict Tlaxcala’s history. The Teatro Xicoténcatl offers a later contrast: it was built between 1923 and 1945 in the Neoclassical style. Its cantera stone façade features fan-shaped decorative elements. The Santuario, also known as the Basílica de Ocotlán, is another striking example of architecture, with its Baroque style, red brick and whitewashed surface.

Museums, art and traces of trade

The city’s museums focus on different subjects rather than repeating the same story. The Museo Regional is housed in the former Franciscan monastery. The Museo Vivo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares de Tlaxcala presents the development of traditional crafts in the region. It is located at Boulevard Emilio Sánchez Piedras 1, on the corner with 1° de Mayo in central Tlaxcala. The Museo de Arte de Tlaxcala displays a selection of New Spanish painting and sculpture from the Museo del Carmen in Mexico City.

Exhibitions at the Museo de la Memoria change, and there is also a monthly changing display case featuring topics from Tlaxcala’s history. A bookshop stocks specialist titles on the history and culture of the state. For families, this variety of buildings, art and changing exhibition topics can provide conversation starters without requiring you to focus on just one perspective.

The main plaza also tells the story of past trading relationships. In the 16th century, shops at Portal Hidalgo sold goods from Spain and the Philippines. The original wooden pillars were altered over time. Another facet of the city’s history is represented by the Plaza de Toros Jorge “el Ranchero” Aguilar, described as one of Mexico’s oldest and most beautiful bullrings.

Tradition and guidance for your stay

A striking opening event of the Tlaxcala Carnival takes place on the Friday before Ash Wednesday: the “tormento del tragafuegos”. During it, a figure is burned from the feet to the head, symbolising the burning away of bad moods. This tradition offers a different way to experience the city than its museums and historic façades, and can be a cultural focus in its own right when planning your trip.

A tourist walking route and a tourist tram route are both listed for the historic centre; both entries come from a tourist directory dating from 2015. If you plan to take one of the routes, check before your visit whether it is currently operating.

Discover more destinations: Tlaxco, Ciudad De Nanacamilpa, Xalostoc, La Libertad, Totolac, Chiautempan, Apizaco, Santa María Ixtulco.

For the main travel overview: Tlaxcala.