The National Palace / New Houses of Moctezuma

The so-called "Casas nuevas de Moctezuma" (The New Houses of Moctezuma) became the property of Hernán Cortés. He sold the property to the Crown of Spain and today it is a palace with two courtyards. This soon grew and expanded to include the offices of the Court Jail, housing for the Viceroy's court, the offices of the Royal Audience, and the Mint, among other governement entities. The palace was partially destroyed in the riot of 1692 and rebuilt shortly thereafter. Many great architects fought for the title of "Master Builder of the Royal Palace." At the beginning of the 20th century, an additional floor was added, reaching the shape and dimensions we see today. The façade has three doors, and in the central door is bell tolled by the priest Miguel Hidalgo in the Parish of Dolores Hidalgo. This was considered the starting point of the active Independence movement that began in 1810. The door facing Moneda Street is called the "Puerta Mariana" and the south door is known as the "Puerta de Honor." In the staircases and the walls of the upper floor of the main patio are a cycle of murals executed by Diego Rivera from 1935 onwards and unfinished. The title is the "Epopeya del pueblo mexicano" (Epic of the Mexican people). The old palace has resisted countless sieges, bombardments, rifle fire and shrapnel. It was taken by USA and French troops. Today it serves as the residence of the President of the Republic and as an administrative and cultural center.

Heart of Mexico Walking Route: Zocalo - Templo Mayor

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Proyecto “Corredor de Cultura Digital”.

Nombre de la investigación: Investigación Centro Histórico, Monumentos, Edificios y Puntos de Interés (2023)

Dirección de investigación y diseño de Rutas: Acércate al Centro A.C. Guadalupe Gómez Collada

Coordinación e investigación histórica: Fideicomiso del Centro histórico Dir. Maestra Loredana Montes