Zocalo Plaza and San Miguel Fountain, Puebla (must see)

Zocalo Plaza is the main square in the center of Puebla. It is considered to be the cultural and political center of the city. It was also the source of drinking water through the mid-16th century. Zocalo, which means plinth or pedestal, was the first block created in Puebla. The remainder of the city was built out from Zocalo in a checkerboard pattern. The Zocalo and surrounding blocks have played a central role in the city's planning and geography for over 500 years.

Zocalo Plaza has long been a location for entertainment and celebrations. Bullfights were regular contests in the square until they ended in 1722. It was also the primary market of Puebla through the end of the 18th century.

Buildings around Zocalo Plaza include the Colorado House Museum, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, the City Hall, and numerous shopping venues. The square is known for its public art, including four statues of muses installed at each corner of the plaza, the Monument to the Siege of Puebla, the Kiosko sculpture by Jan Hendrix, and Puebla de los Angeles.

Zocalo Plaza is also known as the location of the San Miguel Fountain. San Miguel was the main patron of Puebla city. The composition of the fountain features waterfalls on a wide cup, supported by four life-size angels. The statue of the San Miguel stays on a stone column in the center of the structure.

The San Miguel Fountain is one of the historical monuments most seen by locals and tourists because it is located right in the center of Zocalo Plaza. Despite its popularity, few know the history of the fountain. It was the first fountain in the Zocalo and the center of the water supply in the city.

The San Miguel Fountain was designed by one of the most famous architects in the country during the 18th century, Antonio Santa Maria Inchaurregui, and carved by stone carving masters Anselmo Martínez and José Francisco Rabanillo. The fountain was inaugurated on June 23, 1777.