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Huatulco

Gustave Eiffel and the French Influence on Mexican Engineering and Architecture

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By Julie Etra

The French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel’s work is often associated with several structures in Mexico. Although his family was of German ancestry, he was born in Dijon, France, in 1832. He lived a long, productive, and creative life (he died in December 1923).

His work in Mexico corresponded with the Porfiriato (1876–1911), the 35-year period in Mexican history when Porfirio Díaz dominated Mexican political life and, in the later years, refused to relinquish power, leading to the Mexican Revolution. On the positive side, Díaz was known for his efforts to modernize Mexico through infrastructure projects, particularly the railroad system, and for encouraging foreign investment and European influence in architecture and engineering.

Eiffel’s Skills
Although Eiffel never set foot in Mexico, several structures in the country have been attributed to his designs or influence during the late nineteenth century. These include a church, a kiosk, and a bridge.

(For reference, the iconic Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889, and the Statue of Liberty, to whose structural design he contributed, was disassembled in France before being shipped to the United States. The statue was completed and dedicated on October 28, 1886.)

Eiffel specialized in iron construction that could be manufactured in France, disassembled, shipped, and easily reassembled on site, a technique he exported to several countries in addition to Mexico. As an engineer who understood wind loads, he was selected to design numerous projects where this was an issue.

The Church of Santa Bárbara
Santa Rosalía, Baja California Sur, on the Sea of Cortez. The town was founded by the French mining company Compagnie du Boleo after copper deposits were discovered in the region in the nineteenth century. In the 1880s, the government of Porfirio Díaz granted the company permission to develop the mine, and the town grew around the mining operation.

The church was designed by Eiffel in 1884 and built in 1887. It was later exhibited at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris. The prefabricated metal structure was later acquired by the Boleo Mining Company. The company determined that a church was essential for the new town.

Disassembled, it was shipped by sea to Baja California Sur and assembled in Santa Rosalía in the 1890s. The galvanized iron church was designed to withstand severe weather and extreme climates. It was built entirely of stamped metal sheets mounted on a steel frame and has a simple, practical architectural design.

It was later modified, and several of its original stained-glass windows were removed. Today it retains much of the original design.

Edificio Municipal Santa Rosalía
(Municipal Building of Santa Rosalía)
Some sources incorrectly attribute the design to Eiffel. This building is a wooden structure influenced by French architectural styles from the late nineteenth century and features two stories with a sheet-metal roof.

El Palacio de Hierro de Orizaba, Veracruz
(Iron Palace, Orizaba, State of Veracruz)
This iron palace served as the seat of the government for the Municipality of Orizaba, a city in the western part of Veracruz and an important cultural center during the Porfiriato.

The building is often attributed to Gustave Eiffel, although some sources suggest it may have been designed by the Belgian engineer Joseph Danly. It was designed in 1891, disassembled, and the 600-ton building kit, along with the pieces and instructions for its assembly, was shipped across the Atlantic to the port of Veracruz. The kit was then transported by rail to Orizaba.

The engineering considered the climate of the region and incorporated drainage system details, including downpipes essential for the rainy season that also function as structural support columns. The site work, including the excavation for the building, was completed prior to its arrival.

Like the church, the design consisted of metal sheets, in this case two sheet plates with space in between to help dissipate heat. Today the building houses several museums, including the brewery museum; the brewery was established in the late 1890s when the railroad delivered the essential ingredients.
It took two years to assemble, from 1892 to 1894.

Cuernavaca Kiosko (Kiosk)
This kiosk is located in the Plaza de Armas, the central square of Cuernavaca. It was brought from Europe, possibly from Glasgow, Scotland, by order of the then-governor Jesús H. Preciado in 1888.

Once the structure arrived in Mexico from Europe, it was transported to Cuernavaca on mule trains. Some references indicate that the kiosk was brought from the city of Glasgow, Scotland, at the time one of the most renowned foundry centers for the manufacture of ships, engines, and trains.

Although definitely of European origin, its designer has been the subject of debate, and it is unlikely that it was designed by Eiffel. The architectural style is Indo-Saracenic (also known as Indo-Gothic, Mughal-Gothic, or Neo-Mughal), a style mostly used by British architects in India in the late nineteenth century. The decorative details on the building reflect this style.

El Puente de Fierro
This is a steel bridge located in the municipality of San Cristóbal Ecatepec, in the Mexico City metropolitan area. It is sometimes attributed to Gustave Eiffel, although the exact origins of the structure remain uncertain.

The impressive iron structure reaches a height of about 15 meters and weighs approximately 90 tons. Originally associated with a railway line between Mexico City and Veracruz, the bridge later fell into disuse as this section of rail was abandoned with the expanding urban center.

The structure was later restored and is now known as the Bridge of Art, functioning as a cultural center and community arts space that hosts workshops, courses, and artistic performances.

 

Huatulco, San Miguel de Allende

A Little Bit of France in Mexico

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By Alicia Flores—

Being Mexican is not just one thing. Mexican culture has been shaped by several influences, and one of the most fascinating is France. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, especially under Porfirio Díaz, French culture became associated with elegance, progress, and modernity. That influence can still be seen today in architecture, in food, and entire communities.

And if you know where to look, you can experience a little piece of France without ever leaving Mexico.

One of the most refined examples is Quinta Gameros in the northern state of Chuihuahua. This mansion was commissioned in 1907 by Manuel Gameros, a wealthy mining engineer who wanted a residence that reflected status and European sophistication. Designed by Colombian architect Julio Corredor Latorre, the house is one of the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Mexico. Its carved wood interiors, stained glass, and ornamental ironwork reflect the influence of French decorative arts that were fashionable at the time.

Construction began during the height of the Porfiriato, but history intervened. The Mexican Revolution forced Gameros to leave the country before he could truly enjoy the home. Over the years, the building has served multiple purposes, including as a federal building and later as part of the University of Chihuahua. Today, it houses a museum, where visitors can admire not only the architecture but also period furniture that helps recreate the atmosphere of early twentieth-century elite life in Mexico.

With the Torre Eiffel de Gómez Palacio, located in Durango, the French connection takes on a more symbolic form. This replica of the Eiffel Tower was installed in the early 2000s as part of a broader effort by local authorities to revitalize the city’s public spaces and create a recognizable landmark. Gómez Palacio has long been an industrial and railway hub, and the decision to build the tower reflects both civic pride and a desire to connect with a global icon of engineering and modernity.

Although it is not connected to Gustave Eiffel himself, the structure captures something powerful: the way the Eiffel Tower has become a universal symbol of innovation, romance, and aspiration. For residents, it represents more than a replica—it is a point of gathering, a visual landmark, and a reminder that global culture can be reinterpreted in local ways.

For a deeper and more immersive experience, the town of San Rafael , along with nearby Jicaltepec, offers a living legacy of French immigration in the state of Veracruz. Jicaltepec was established in 1833 as an agricultural colony by French settlers, who were drawn to the fertile lands nourished by the Nautla River. Many of these immigrants came from regions such as the Alps and eastern France, bringing with them farming techniques, baking traditions, and a strong connection to the land. They established agricultural communities, cultivating crops such as vanilla, citrus, and bananas.

Over time, the settlements of Jicaltepec and San Rafael grew into a unique cultural enclave where French and Mexican traditions blended. Even today, this heritage is visible in the local food. The region is known for its bakeries, as well as artisanal cheeses and dairy products influenced by French techniques, adapted to the tropical climate and local ingredients. Walking through the area, you can feel a quieter, more rural rhythm shaped by agriculture, tradition, and a history that connects Veracruz to Europe in a very tangible way.

These places remind us that Mexico’s identity is multi-faceted. French influence arrived during a time of ambition and transformation, leaving behind not only buildings but also traditions, flavors, and ideas that continue to evolve.

To travel through Mexico with this perspective is to see beyond expectations. It is to notice the details, the curve of an iron railing, the elegance of a façade, the taste of freshly baked bread—and to recognize that even here, far from France, its presence still lingers in quiet and surprising ways.

Huatulco

Orizaba: A Mountain Jewel in Veracruz

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By Alicia Flores

Nestled in the heart of the mountains between Puebla and Veracruz lies Orizaba, a city that many travelers still overlook—but shouldn’t. With its colonial architecture, cool climate, and surrounding natural beauty, Orizaba offers a unique mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure that feels both surprising and welcoming.

The first thing you notice when you arrive in Orizaba is how green everything is. The city sits in a valley below the towering Pico de Orizaba—the tallest mountain in Mexico and the third-highest in North America. Known in Nahuatl as Citlaltépetl, or “Star Mountain,” this dormant volcano dominates the horizon and adds a quiet majesty to the landscape. Even if you’re not planning to climb it (which takes serious mountaineering experience), just knowing it’s there changes the way you see the place. The mountain is more than a backdrop—it feels like a guardian.

The city itself is small but full of charm. The historical center is easy to explore on foot, with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, wide plazas, and iron-laced balconies that speak of a prosperous past. One of the best ways to start your visit is with the Teleférico de Orizaba—a cable car that glides from the city center up to Cerro del Borrego. The views are breathtaking, and once at the top, you can explore walking trails or visit the museum that explains the mountain’s role during the French Intervention in the 19th century.

Back in town, Orizaba is proud of its art and culture. The Palacio de Hierro (Iron Palace) is a standout building designed by Gustave Eiffel—the same engineer who gave Paris its famous tower. This unique structure houses several small museums, including one dedicated to Mexican beer and another with a collection of masks from around the country. It’s also a great spot to learn more about the local history, including the city’s importance during the Porfirio Díaz era.

One of my favorite things to do in Orizaba is walk along the Río Orizaba. The river cuts through the town and is lined with walking paths, murals, and even small animal enclosures that serve as a sort of open-air zoo. It’s a peaceful place for a morning stroll or afternoon break, and the cool mountain air makes it feel refreshing even during the warmer months.

For more history and dining options, visit the Poliforum Mier y Pesado, or Iron Palace, an early 20th-century orphanage, then a school, then a retirement center, built in the French style. It has wonderful ironwork, beautiful gardens, and hosts cultural events. There are a couple of museums, one of which, the Museo del Traje, showcases traditional clothing. The restaurants lean to the upscale, but there are a couple of less expensive cafes. The Poliforum is located on Oriente 6, 1653, a couple of kilometers east of the historic center.

Food in Orizaba is hearty and delicious, shaped by the surrounding regions and the city’s own traditions. Expect tamales wrapped in banana leaves, chiles rellenos in local-style sauces, and sweet treats like jamoncillo (a kind of milk fudge) and toritos—a strong local liqueur made from fruit and sugarcane alcohol. Markets and casual restaurants offer some of the best flavors, but you’ll also find a growing number of cafés and bakeries run by young entrepreneurs bringing fresh energy into the culinary scene.

Because of its location, Orizaba makes a great base if you want to explore more of central Veracruz. Nearby towns like Córdoba or the coffee-growing region of Huatusco are perfect for day trips. But even if you don’t leave the city, Orizaba offers enough beauty and history to keep you happily occupied.

There’s something grounded and genuine about Orizaba. It’s not polished like a resort town, and it’s not trying to be something it’s not. The people are warm, the pace is relaxed, and the air smells faintly of pine and distant rain. It’s a place that doesn’t shout to be seen, but rather invites you to slow down and notice.

If you find yourself looking for a lesser-known part of Mexico to explore—one that blends mountains, culture, and heart—Orizaba might just be your next favorite stop.