Discover Cholula De Rivadavia

Cholula De Rivadavia combines archaeological history with religious architecture and a museum about pre-Hispanic development.

Archaeology and Museum

The Zona Arqueológica de Cholula includes a pyramid described as the largest in the world by base 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. The description of it as the largest pyramid refers to its base area; height and volume are separate measurements. Construction of the main temple in the archaeological zone began in the 2nd century BC. It is said to have been completed between 900 and 1100 AD. Thus, when placing the site in its historical context, an early start to construction sits alongside a much later, still cautiously phrased completion date.

The Museo de Sitio de Cholula is a building specifically constructed as a museum, with three permanent exhibition rooms on one level. It presents the pre-Hispanic development of Cholula chronologically. Topics range from ceramics and archaeology to burial customs and contact with the Spanish; reproductions of murals complement the displays. The museum provides explanatory panels in Spanish and English. The rooms thus feature both chronologically arranged topics and different types of exhibit content.

Religious Buildings and Architecture

The Convento de San Gabriel stands in the center of San Pedro Cholula on the site of a former temple dedicated to Quetzalcóatl. Its cornerstone was laid on February 7, 1549. Construction was completed in 1552, and the convent was consecrated on April 30 of the same year. These dates distinguish the laying of the cornerstone, completion and consecration as three stages in its construction history.

The Santuario de la Virgen de los Remedios was built on Tlachihualtepetl, the Great Pyramid of Cholula. It is considered an important regional pilgrimage center because it houses the image of the Virgen de los Remedios, which is venerated as miraculous. Designed in the Republican Baroque style, the interior features wooden and plaster altars; the vaults and walls are decorated with gilding. The exterior surface of the raised dome is clad in Talavera tiles. From the atrium, visitors can see the Cholula Valley and, in the distance, the Popocatépetl volcano. Religious significance, interior furnishings, dome design and distant views are distinct aspects of the Santuario.

The Capilla Real o de Naturales has seven naves and 49 domes; its interior is described as unique. Its historical details include a monumental holy water font from the 16th century, made from a single block of stone, and the atrium cross, carved in 1668. The tower of the Parroquia de San Pedro is described as the tallest among Cholula’s churches. Its dome is designed in the Churrigueresque style and has eight windows with Estípites.

The Casa del Caballero Águila also has a clearly divided construction history. It is one of the oldest surviving civilian buildings from the New Spain period in the Cholula region. The ground floor dates from the 16th century and the upper floor from the 17th century. The different dates for the two floors offer another point of reference if you are interested in historic architecture and its individual construction phases.

Exchange and Tram Tour

At the Milenario Trueque in 2025, fruit, vegetables, baskets, handmade clothing, and products made of clay and wood were exchanged at the Plaza de la Concordia. That year, the event brought together more than 100,000 visitors and over 3,300 artisans from different communities and states in Mexico. The goods mentioned therefore ranged from food to handcrafted items. If you would like to include the Milenario Trueque in your travel plans, check whether a date has been announced for your travel period.

Another perspective is offered by Tranvía Tip Tours, with a panoramic tram tour. If you would like to plan a ride, check the current schedule directly with the operator.

For the broader travel overview: Tlaxcalancingo.