Cholula - San Gabriel Monastery and Capilla Real

Also to be found surrounded by the ruins of this ancient cult site is the vast San Gabriel monastery, built by the Franciscans in 1549. Note in particular the large atrium, the Plateresque portal, the massive doors and the Gothic arches. The Capilla Real ("Royal Chapel"), modelled architecturally on the great mosque in Córdoba (Spain), dates from the mid 16th c. Renovated in the 17th c. the huge building comprises seven aisles surmounted by 49 cupolas, opening onto a spacious atrium with three prettily ornamented posas (processional chapels).

Other churches deserving mention in Cholula are San Andrés, San Miguel Tianguistengo, Guadalupe, Santiago Mixquitla and San Miguelito.

The city is also the site of the University of the Americas, opened in 1970.