Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Fiji
Fortresses and museum · Puebla, Puebla
Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe
The two forts on the hill where the Mexican army defeated the French on May 5, 1862, now museums in a park.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe
The forts of Loreto and Guadalupe stand on the hill of Acueyametepec, north of Puebla’s center. On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French troops there in a battle that became a national date: Cinco de Mayo.
Fort Loreto, built around an 18th-century chapel, has stone walls and houses the Museum of Non-Intervention, with weapons, uniforms, maps and a scale model of the battle. Fort Guadalupe, a few meters away, preserves the ruins of the old church.
Around the forts there is a complex of parks and museums, such as the Museo Regional de Puebla and the planetarium, and green areas with views of the city and the volcanoes.
On May 5 the city celebrates the battle with a large parade.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
In the morning, with a better chance of seeing the volcanoes. It usually closes on Mondays.
How to get there
In the Fuertes neighborhood, about 3 km north of the zócalo; reachable by taxi, ride-hailing app or bus.
Tip
From Loreto’s walls, look for Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl on the horizon.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Fuertes de Loreto y Guadalupe
What happened on May 5, 1862?
The Mexican army defeated the French troops at the forts of Loreto and Guadalupe in Puebla.
What is in Fort Loreto?
The Museum of Non-Intervention, with weapons, uniforms and a model of the battle.
Are the forts far from the center?
About 3 km north of the zócalo.