CULTURE: A Magical Town in Mexico: Orizaba

Written by MikeH

A historically amazing city stands halfway between Mexico City and the port of Veracruz, combining the most beautiful European architecture and natural attractions of the Mexican landscapes. Orizaba, a city rich in historical heritage, is located at one of the first Spanish settlements of 16th century Mexico.

I feel so proud that my home city has become a Mexican treasure, something I never considered when I last lived there many years ago. In my opinion, many of its attractions had never been highlighted giving the impression nothing stood out! This all has changed after the current mayor saw the potential in such a historical place, giving the city a complete makeover and transforming it into the vibrant place it is today. The redevelopment contributed to Orizaba obtaining the title of Magical Town - an incentive program from the Mexican government aiming at improving the quality of selected national destinations to enhance the local economy and stimulating the regional tourism industry. 

Orizaba is a city located in a valley in the geographical centre of the State of Veracruz, belonging to the region by name of the Great Mountains. It is also known as the City of Happy Waters, or Ciudad de las Aguas Alegres, due to its indigenous original name Ahuilizapan. This title is also given because of the main river flowing through the city, in addition to the numerous bridges which can be found. With a surface of 27.97 km², the city had a population of 120,995 inhabitants according to the 2010 Census. 

The city is surrounded by various rivers and mountains and due to its privileged location, Orizaba has been deemed for centuries as a strategic point for trading and commerce, as it sits on the route between Mexico City and the main port on the Gulf Coast, Veracruz. Other characteristics of the region are its mild weather, though often cloudy and rainy, which regularly results in it being covered in a veil of mist giving the city a mystical feel. Overlooking the valley from the north stands the highest mountain in Mexico and third highest in North America: the Volcano Pico de Orizaba or Citlaltépetl, with an altitude of 5.636 meters. 

City view from the Lamb Hill 

History 

The Valley of Ahuilizpan had been inhabited by other ancient pre-Hispanic cultures such as the Totonacas of the 7th century and the Toltecs, who arrived in the region in the 13th century. The modern city was built on one of the first Spanish settlements in the 16th century and the whole region went through a greater economic development. The city played an important role during the War of Independence between 1812 and 1821. In 1836 the city started its industrial life with the establishment of the first textile factory in the region. In 1896 the Cuahtemoc-Moctezuma Brewery was also established in Orizaba and by then the city was known as the “Mexican Manchester”. 

Other notable points relating to Orizaba are that it acted as the capital of the Veracruz State from 1874 to 1878 and during the government of Present Porfirio Diaz, the city became a prestigious centre for higher education throughout the early 20th century. The latter century was also a period of great development and prosperity for the whole region. 

Iron Palace

Spectacular sights of the city 

The city of Orizaba has an important architectural history which can be observed through the various religious temples built during the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as other exceptional buildings for civil functions. The churches of the city retain different architectural styles such as baroque, neoclassical, churrigueresque and romantic. 

The colourful Cathedral, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, built up in the late 17th century by the Franciscans is a perfect example of baroque architecture. The first Catholic temple built in the city is the Church of the Calvary with its origins dating from 1564. This colonial style building’s interior is beautifully decorated.

The architectural highlight of the city is the magnificent Iron Palace or Palacio de Hierro. Built in the style Art Nouveau, it is made entirely out of steel which hosted the city hall until 1991. Unique in its kind, it was designed by Gustave Eiffel, architect of the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Statue of the Liberty in New York! Assembled in Belgium, it was transported by sea to the port of Veracruz and then assembled on site. After an extensive restoration period, this building is now home to different museums of the city.

The spectacular views from the Lamb Hill or Cerro del Borrego, adjacent to the city, attracts local and foreigner visitors every day. This site is an important historical place as it was used as a strategic defensive point in 1862 by the French Army during a short invasion. Today, the top of the hill hosts two history museums, picnic areas with beautiful and spacious viewpoints offer astonishing views to the landscape. It is definitely a perfect space to enjoy nature in all its glory. 

The River Walk or Paseo del Río that meanders through the city is simply refreshing. Following years of neglect, it has nowadays become an added feature. With its 3 km length, it combines the historical colonial city with an extraordinary setting. The walk is also home of the animal sanctuary “Citlaltépetl” where the visitors can admire more than 32 different of animal species. 

Other must-see attractions in Orizaba are the historical La Alameda Park; the wonderful State Art Museum; the European style De La Llave Theater; its magnificent churches such as La Concordia, the Church of our Lady of el Carmen, or Saint Gertrude churches; the City Graveyard with the Pre-Hispanic monolith the Giant Stone or even the crystalline blue lagoon, Ojo de Agua. These are but a taste of what you will see when you visit my hometown, Orizaba. 

River Walk 

Today it is hard to believe that you are in an urban space when wandering the streets as nature is never too far away, making Orizaba unique compared to other Mexican cities. It is simply astonishing how such a place can be so rich in all senses, creating its own identity. Dear readers, I strongly encourage you to come and visit Orizaba, whose past is as Mexican as European. Delve into its rich architecture, into is natural wonders and its rich history written through the centuries.

More information about Orizaba: Orizaba Travel

Images: Supplied by the Author.