The main balcony of the National Palace, Mexico City, Mexico. Image by Diego Delso –

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about Palacio Nacional, Mexico


 

According to the history of Mexico, the ruling class has been known to occupy the site where the Palacio National is located since the Aztec Empire. The National Palace was used by the Aztec Empire since the 16th century. It is also vital to note that the materials used in the construction of this building are outstanding. Most of them are from 16th-century design. In 2018, the building became the official residence of Mexico鈥檚 president. Palacio National is located in Plaza de la Constitution. The architecture of the building is unique and attractive, creating a wonderful tourist attraction. This building is the seat of the Federal Executive branch of the government of Mexico. This makes it a strict place to visit and individuals are required to show their identity before entering the zone. There are several fascinating facts about the Palacio National.

1. The Palacio National has some of the most outstanding murals

Detail of murals by Diego Rivera in the National Palace. Mexico City. Image by J Mndz –

There are several stunning murals by Diego Rivera in this building. Rivera is one of the greatest and most famous artists in Mexico. This indicates the extent to which art is appreciated in the country. Furthermore, the paintings are interesting to look at, making the place a tourist attraction and a historical site at the same time. What is even more interesting is that individuals are allowed to enter this place for free as long as they have their identification cards. This provides them with an opportunity to see the murals for free.

2. It offers individuals an opportunity to learn Mexican History

National Palace of Mexico, the entrance of the federal army on January 1st, 1861. Image by
C. Castro, G. Rodr铆guez 茅 J. Campillo –

In the building, the mural by Diego Rivera, 鈥淭he History of Mexico鈥 takes individuals to different eras. It takes them from the Aztecs, the conquest Revolution, up to the industrial era. People get a great opportunity to learn the history of the nation through art. Learning history through art is interesting and informs and reminds them how culture has transformed over time.

3. Palacio National is built in the location where the first palace of the Aztec emperor was built

Central Courtyard in National Palace CDMX. Image byDrkgk –

During the early 16th century, emperor Moctezuma II of the Aztec kingdom built the first palace on the same spot the Palacio National lies. However, in 1521, this palace got destroyed by Hernan Cortes, who was a Spanish colonizer. The colonizers destroyed most of the Aztec building structures in the region. In 1962, the building was reconstructed to house the Nueva Espana Viceroys. This function went on till Mexico attained its independence from Spain.

4. The initial name of Palacio National was Viceroy Palace

Treasury Room in the National Palace. Mexico City. Image by J Mndz –

When Spain colonized Mexico, the palace got destroyed. However, upon its reconstruction, they named it Viceroy Palace since it was used as accommodation for the Viceroys of Nueva Espana.  However, when Mexico attained self-government, the building was renamed Palacio National to honor the end of colonization. The building stood out as a historical feature reminding people of the struggle they went through to attain independence.

5. It houses the campana de Dolores 

Zocalo, Mexico City. Complete indexed photo collection at WorldHistoryPics.com.
Image by Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China –

Campana de Delores refers to the bell which was rung by Padre Miguel Hildalgo in 1810 in Dolores Hildalgo town at the start of the War of Independence. This was a time of great significance in the history of Mexico as it helped deliver the nation from colonization. When one is facing the palace, it is easy to note this bell as it is hung above the center door. Each year on Independence Day, the Mexican President enacts the words said by Padre Miguel to commemorate independence. On the 15th of every September, the president stands on the balcony underneath the bell to deliver a grito (shout) 鈥淰iva Mexico鈥.

6. Unlike most government buildings, it is accessible to every person

Art Studies and Cultural Management Group (Autonomous University of Aguascalientes) in the National Palace. Study trip to Mexico City. Image by – 

Every person is allowed to visit the Palacio National. No entrance fees are charged. Despite conducting government functions, there are very few restrictions as to whom can enter and explore the architect of this building. It is a very rare scenario in any nation to let everyone, including foreigners, explore regions where government functions are run. There are tour guides in the building to help foreigners who may not be able to navigate the site on their own. Being a working government building, much respect is needed during explorations.

7. It is a tourist attraction site

Pegasus Fountain. National Palace in Mexico City J Mndz –

It is common for tourists to pay visits to parks, museums, and other physical features. However, it is not common for them to visit government offices as tourist attractions. Most governments separate their offices from such functions. Furthermore, how many countries have buildings that run government functions that allow tourism? The architecture and art preserved by the National Palace of Mexico are outstanding. They attract lots of people from different destinations to come and take pictures and interact with the surrounding.

8. Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo is located in the Palacio National

Miguel Lerdo de Tejada Library.  Image by Ismael Villafranco –

Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo is one of the best libraries in the history of Mexico. It comprises vast resources about Mexican heritage. The architecture of the library is outstanding and has a mural that covers 2000 square meters. This mural was designed by Vlady Kibalchich Heritage books collections, financial records, and other resources that tell how Mexico has transformed are kept inside this library.

9. It was occupied by Hernan Cortes at some point

Palacio Nacional. Image by Gobierno CDMX –

After its renovation, the palace was occupied by the Spanish explorer Hernan. Hernan conquered the Aztecs, leading to the colonization of Mexico. The same building was used during the Revolution War. It is for this reason that it is respected by many.

10. It has a museum that individuals visit for free

Mural in the Palacio Nacional.  Image by Wojciech Kocot- Wikimedia

Going to museums requires a certain fee. However, the museum in this palace has several works of art that individuals can visit and see for free. There are sculptures, murals, and other forms of paintings in the museum. The culture of the people is perfectly preserved in the Palace National building.

 

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