Tulancingo de Bravo Municipality

Understand

It is 93 km from Mexico City in the southeastern part of the state. This area is the most important wool textile producer in the country and was home to El Santo, Mexico’s most famous lucha libre wrestler. The name is derived from the Nahuatl words “tule” and “tzintle” which mean “in or behind the reeds.” This is confirmed by its Aztec glyph. The city is the second largest and second most important in the state. Industrial development has made the city a gateway to the Sierra Poblana and the Mexico’s northern Gulf coast. Despite the city’s long history, almost no early colonial structures still survive.

Getting there

There are two bus stations, first and second class, to which operate bus lines from Mexico City, Tampico, Tuxpan, and Poza Rica, and from nearby communities in Hidalgo.

See

The city is centered on its Cathedral and the Jardin Floresta (Floresta Garden). The Cathedral dates back to 1528 when it was established as a Franciscan monastery, with a church dedicated to Francis of Asisi. This church was reconstructed in 1788 by Damián Ortiz de Castro, and was dedicated to John the Baptist, who is the city’s patron saint. The cloister of the old Franciscan monastery was left intact. In 1862, this church became the seat of the diocese or see of Tulancingo, gaining cathedral status. In 2007, Tulancingo became an archdiocese with the seat remaining here.

The Cathedral is 56.6 meters tall and made of grey sandstone with a sober Neoclassical facade, and a portal flanked by 17-m-tall Ionic columns. In the interior, there is a holy water font in stone and a wood pulpit decorated with reliefs. There is also an organ with more than 16,000 flutes. The old cloister has rounded arches and ceiling supported by thick wood beams. The Floresta Garden is formed by two sections, the Plaza de la Constitución and Parque Juárez. This area used to be the “Manzana Fundacional” or Foundation (City) Block and the atrium of the original Franciscan monastery in early 16th century. Shortly after that time, the name was changed to Jardín Floresta. Leathergoods, cider, hats and wool items can be found for sale in La Floresta.

The city has a number of notable churches. La Expiración Chapel was constructed in 1527 by Friar Juan de Padilla. It is located in the old Zapotlán neighborhood, one block from the San Miguel Municipal Cemetery. It is one of the few buildings left from when the Franciscans founded the Spanish settlement, and is considered to be the oldest chapel in the region. The Iglesia de los Angeles or Church of the Angels is dedicated to an image of the Virgin Mary called the Virgen de los Angeles, or Virgin de los Angelitos (little angels). Devotion to this image began in 1736, but the name was officially given in 1790. In 1862, she was named as the patroness

Do

The annual Feria de Tulancingo is the main event for the city featuring the commercial, agricultural and industrial activities of the area. The fair is held in late July to mid August. It's a huge even with midway carnival rides and multiple stages with live music featuring popular performers like Gloria Trevi, Banda el Recodo and many others.

Buy

1 Tianguis, Tlaxcala 24, La Cruz. 07:00 - 18:00. Sunday is market day in Tulancingo. You can buy fresh vegetables, fruits and local farm products at the tianguis, as well as common household items. 2 Mercado Municipal, Miguel Hidalgo, Centro 1er Cuadro. 09:00 - 18:00. The city's main traditional market, open daily. Lots of vendors, food stands with local cuisine. (updated Jun 2023)

Eat

1 Terra Mar, Calz. 5 de Mayo Sur 306, Centro, ☏ +52 775 755 5599. 11:30 - 18:30. Bright, modern seafood restaurant. Often busy and there may be a wait for tables. Dishes include Tostada de Camarón Al Chipotle, Quesadilla de Jaiba, Cazuelas de Mariscos. M$150. (updated Jun 2023) 2 El Delfin, Manuel Fernando Soto 209 A, Centro, ☏ +52 775 112 1998. 10:00 - 21:00. Casual Mexican seafood restaurant with a full bar and moderate prices. M$150. (updated Jun 2023) 3 Acuario, Molino del Rey 215, San Luis, ☏ +52 7757530209. 12:00 - 18:30 (closed M). Traditional Mexican seafood restaurant, including oysters, ceviche, salmon etc. Good aguas frescas. M$200. (updated Jun 2023) 4 Meridien, Calle Luis M. Ponce 402-sur, Fraccionamiento del Villar, ☏ +52 775 755 4555. 09:00 - 22:00. Traditional restaurant with a large and varied menu. M$200. (updated Jun 2023)

Sleep

1 Hotel Posada Tulancingo, Calle Luis M. Ponce 405, Centro, ☏ +52 7757550490. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Modern casual hotel. 10 minute walk to cathedral. M$900 (Apr 2023). (updated Apr 2023) 2 Hotel Villa Caltengo, Calle Luis M. Ponce 1320, Los Pinos, ☏ +52 7759743913. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Traditional colonial-style hotel. Nicely furnished, off-street parking. M$750. (updated Apr 2023) 3 Hotel Mediterraneo, 21 de Marzo Nte. 220, Centro, ☏ +52 775 755 4422. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Moderate hotel with spacious, clean rooms. Breakfast included in rates. Secure off-street parking. M$900. (updated Jun 2023) 4 Esfera Hotel, Av. Juárez Nte. #700, Centro, ☏ +52 775 688 0700. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Modern hotel with spacious rooms, clean and comfortable. Parking available nearby, but not on-site. M$1000. (updated Jun 2023)

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