Palace of the Marqués del Apartado, Colonial palace in Centro Histórico, Mexico City, Mexico
The Palace of the Marqués del Apartado is a colonial building in the historic center of Mexico City with neoclassical architecture. The two-story structure features stone facades, ornately carved balconies, and an interior courtyard lined with sculptured stone columns.
The palace was built between 1795 and 1805 by architect Manuel Tolsá on the site of an Aztec pyramid dedicated to the goddess Cihuacóatl. This construction represented the shift from pre-Columbian structures to colonial centers of power in the urban landscape.
The building takes its name from a wealthy landowner and reflects the blend of Spanish and Mexican influences that shaped the colonial era. This mix remains visible in the architectural details and how the courtyard space functions today.
The building now houses the National Institute of Anthropology and History and is accessible to researchers and professionals. Visitors should note that access may be restricted to research hours, and it is wise to check in advance which areas are open to the public.
Underground remains of an eagle sculpture weighing about 1.5 tons were discovered during construction work in 1985, hinting at the Aztec past of the site. This find reveals how archaeologists uncovered significant artifacts beneath the colonial structure that shed light on the earlier history of the location.
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