House of the Marquis of Uluapa, Mexico City, Colonial mansion in Historic Center, Mexico City.
The House of the Marquis of Uluapa is a colonial mansion in Mexico City's Historic Center with two levels and a mezzanine. The facade features intricate stonework with plant motifs, chains, and shell decorations at the main entrance, along with gargoyles and grotesque masks that reflect colonial Mexican aristocratic architectural style.
The building originates from the 18th century, though research has shown it never belonged to any Marquis of Uluapa. The name persists as a historical misnomer that has remained attached to the house over time.
The second floor displays remarkable tile murals showing life-sized servants such as butlers, laundresses, and cobblers rather than traditional religious imagery. This choice reflects the original owner's distinctive artistic taste and sets the house apart from other colonial residences of its era.
The building is located at number 18 on 5 de Febrero Street in the Historic Center and is easily visible from the street. The interior remains closed to the public, so visits focus on viewing and photographing the exterior facade.
The grotesque mask decoration on the facade was a rare element in Mexican colonial architecture, showing the builder's artistic boldness. Such playful and somewhat unsettling ornaments are found today in only a few surviving buildings from that era.
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