Palafoxiana Library

The Palafoxiana Library, in Puebla

The Palafoxiana Library is considered the oldest public library of the Americas, a treasure of the heritage of Puebla. The Puebla audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this exceptional place of knowledge, listed as world heritage, rich in thousands of old books.

The oldest library of the Americas

The Palafoxiana Library is one of the most precious treasures of Puebla and a place unique in the world: it is considered the oldest public library of the American continent. It was founded in the seventeenth century by the bishop Juan de Palafox y Mendoza, who donated his personal collection of books to the town, on condition that it be open to all those who wanted to instruct themselves, and not reserved for the clergy, which was revolutionary for the time. The hall of the library is a true jewel: its high shelves of sculpted wood, arranged on several levels, shelter tens of thousands of old books, including precious manuscripts and incunabula, among the first printed books. The setting, with its worked ceiling, its altarpiece and its hushed atmosphere, gives off a striking solemnity and beauty. A witness of the intellectual influence of Puebla in the colonial era, the library is listed as UNESCO world heritage. A treasure of knowledge and a jewel of the heritage, the Palafoxiana Library is a must-see stop of the discovery of Puebla.

What to see

Here you discover the oldest public library of the Americas, founded in the seventeenth century by the bishop Palafox who donated it to the town so that it be open to all, a true jewel with high shelves of sculpted wood on several levels, sheltering tens of thousands of old books, manuscripts and incunabula, listed as UNESCO world heritage. The Palafoxiana Library is a treasure of Puebla. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Palafoxiana Library lies in the heart of the historic centre of Puebla, reachable on foot. The visit follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming.

Why is the Palafoxiana Library of Puebla famous?

Because it is considered the oldest public library of the Americas, founded in the seventeenth century by the bishop Palafox to be open to all; its high shelves of sculpted wood shelter tens of thousands of old books, manuscripts and incunabula, and it is listed as UNESCO world heritage.

Where is the Palafoxiana Library in Puebla?

In the heart of the historic centre of Puebla, in Mexico.