Puebla and Tlaxcala: baroque, religious gems and pilgrimage places

You have to see it to believe. Over the years, I have taken both pilgrimage groups, architects and lovers of folk life to the following places, and they all have been equally impressed: - Saint Michal Arcangel shrine (San Miguel del Milagro), the only place outside Europe where Archangel Michael is said to have appeared. The slayer of demons attracts pilgrims who enjoy the fair of rural products, religious items and food. Can be combined with a quick visit of nearby archeological site Cacaxtla. - Basílica of our Lady of Ocotlan, a place of apparition of the Virgin Mary, regionally almost as important as Our Lady of Guadalupe, and a stunning piece of folk baroque art, as is the unique blending of indigenous and catholic beliefs and creativity. - Puebla downtown with Cathedral and Rosary Chapel: a fantastic city, traditionally a bastion of catholic life, gastronomy and arts. - Huejotzingo monastery, one of the best examples of early catholic conversion of the indigenous population, and UNESCO World Heritage.