''Puebla is the name of a city and a state in Mexico. This article is about the city. For the state, see: State of Puebla.


The city of Puebla – known more formally as "Puebla de los Ángeles" or less formally as "La Angelópolis" – is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of the same name.

Puebla is located just over 100 km south-east of Mexico City at 19.05°N 98.22°W and, in 2003, had an estimated population of 1,345,500 people.

The historic center of the city still contains much Spanish Colonial architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the historical buildings have been impressively restored; many are in an abject state of disrepair.

General Ignacio Zaragoza's army defeated French expeditionary forces near Puebla on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla.

In 2003-04, Puebla is serving as the interim headquarters of the Free Trade Area of the Americas. It has also submitted its candidacy to serve as the permanent headquarters once the FTAA is up and running.

Puebla is considered the home of mole, a rich, spicy sauce containing chocolate and nuts.