city, southwestern Puebla estado (state), south-central Mexico. It lies at 6,171 feet (1,881 m) above sea level in a fertile valley irrigated by the Molinos River, which descends from the southeastern slopes of Ixtacihuatl volcano. Founded in 1579 as Villa de Carrión, after its founder, Alonso Díaz de Carrión, Atlixco is a commercial, manufacturing, and industrial centre. Wheat, corn (maize), beans, fruits, and other crops grown in the surrounding agricultural area are processed in and distributed from the city. Cotton and woolen textile mills, distilleries, and soft-drink plants are also located in Atlixco. A major highway links it with Oaxaca and Puebla city, the state capital, 19 miles (30 km) to the northeast. The city also has an airfield. Pop. (2000) 82,838.