About Xalapa
Nestled in the foothills of an extinct volcano at an altitude of over 4,000 feet, Xalapa is located in the Sierra Madre mountains in Southern Mexico. Known as the City of Flowers, Xalapa features green parks and well-manicured plazas set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Pico de Orizaba adorning the horizon.
The city was established in 1313 as a market town and boasts fine examples of Colonial architecture. Now home to 600,000 people, Xalapa is the capital and cultural center for the state of Veracruz.
Xalapa hosts an extraordinary number of cultural treasures, including an internationally renowned symphony orchestra, folklore ballet and anthropology museum. Art galleries, theaters and cafes offering live music provide plenty of entertainment.
Check a map of the region.
Xalapa Quick Facts
- Xalapa is known as the “Athens of Veracruz” because of its multiple art galleries, museums and major universities.
- Xalapa’s Parque Ecologico Macuiltepetl, the highest point in the city, is on top of an extinct volcano.
- Hernan Cortes passed through Xalapa on his way inland to conquer the Aztec Empire.
- The port city of Veracruz is called “Four Times Heroic” for its defense against Spanish, French and U.S. invasions.