A strategic, religious and administrative center in the west of Tlaxcala state during the colonial period, San Felipe Ixtlacuixtla was also the residence of the insurgent Mariano Matamoros in the 19th century. It is known for its ancient and beautiful monastery and for the colorful, tile-clad staircase that leads to the Templo del Calvario.

Its streets and neighborhoods were laid out in the viceregal era and have been the scene of memorable battles; for this reason, the city has earned the title of “heroic.” It is currently known for its traditional fair in honor of the Virgen de la Caridad, as well as for its vast decorative street carpets made of colored sawdust.

This city, first founded in the 16th century, was a strategic point for colonization, evangelization and trade between Mexico City and Veracruz. It was also the backdrop to numerous historical events during the war of Independence, the Reform war and the French Intervention. Its notable buildings include churches, the former monastery and the town hall.

Important Acolhua settlement, played an important role in the control of the trade routes of the Triple Alliance (Tlacopan, Texcoco and Tenochtitilan) with an unusual circular pyramid dedicated to Ehécatl. This site is better known as the place where a group of Spaniards were captured and sacrificed during the Conquest.

The remains of the most important Tlaxcalan fiefdom at the time of the arrival of the Spanish. In the remains of a small temple we can see an altar with polychrome decoration, an area of flint stones surrounding a large burning brazier, upon which lies the figure of Tezcatlipoca.

Since the eighth century BC the ancient Tlaxcalan culture ascribed women preeminent roles as givers of life, wise women and governors. This was exceptional in Mesoamerica. The museum has a multitude of artifacts testifying to the fact: ceramics, ornaments, offerings and utensils.

An impressive construction notable for the church’s remarkable Mudejar-style coffered ceiling made with gilded wood. The museum preserves the pre-Hispanic and viceregal history of Tlaxcala—a vital ally for the Conquistadors—along with displays of nineteenth and twentieth-century luxury objects and tools.