Palacio Nacional
Palacio Nacional
Palacio Nacional (Plaza de la Constitución, Centro Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City) – located at Mexico City’s main square, it’s home to the offices of the Mexican President, the Federal Treasury, and the National Archives. The Palace has a long history. When Hernán Cortés invaded Mexico, the Spaniards destroyed Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital. Cortés then built his own palace in the early 16th century on the ruins of Moctezuma II’s palace, using stones from the Aztec ruler’s palace.
The Spanish crown bought the palace from Hernán Cortés’ family in 1562. It remained the Viceroy Palace until Mexico’s independence in 1821, when Mexican leaders named it the National Palace. Over its hundreds of years of existence, the palace has faced many damages, changes, and additions. And it’s evolved from Cortés’ fortress to the massive three level structure you see today. Inside the palace, you’ll find beautiful gardens, 14 courtyards, a royal chapel, a national library, parliamentary quarters, and massive Diego Rivera murals, among other things. Free admission; Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tueday – Sunday).