Many people have never heard of Cholula. It’s now a bedroom community to Puebla, having been surrounded by the growing city. It is best known for the Great Pyramid of Cholula also known as Tlachihualtepetl (artificial mountain) with a church built on top by the Spaniards. For thousands of years it was believed that the church was just on a large hill, but upon closer examination it was found that the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church had been built on top of not one, but three or more pyramids.
The first pyramids were built in the pre-classic era. Then they were rebuilt six more times on top of itself. The Giant Pyramid is thought to be the largest pyramid in the Americas.
Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church
By the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, the pyramid had become overgrown. With hopes of crushing the spirit of the native people the Spanish built Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Church on top of the hill containing the historic ruins. It wasn’t until the early 1900’s that the pyramids were rediscovered and the excavation began.
Today Cholua is a bustling community with a near perfect climate and rich surrounding farmland. The local markets, steeped in Mexican tradition, are filled with local cuisine, fresh vegetables and beautiful flowers.
What a wonderful journey to experience all the beauty of Mexico. We were there as well and visited that church. Your travels are bringing back lots of memories of our camping days also. Thanks for sharing. Bob from Friends of Puerto Morelos