Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Libraries

Biblioteca Palafoxiana

Puebla, Mexico

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST LIBRARIES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 31 2026
Biblioteca Palafoxiana

Historic public library in Puebla, Mexico, founded in 1646 and housed in the Casa de la Cultura across from the cathedral. Visitors see a hall with carved cedar shelves on three levels, antique books, mostly in Latin, and an altar at the back.

Highlights

  • Hand-carved cedar shelves on three levels
  • Antique books and manuscripts
  • Temporary exhibition room next door

Good to know

  • Admission about 50 pesos, student discounts
  • Guided tour for about 200 pesos
  • Visit takes about 30 to 60 minutes

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