A visible reminder of Mexico’s bygone aristocracy, the "castle" that stands atop Chapultepec Hill was begun in 1785 but not completed until after independence, when it became the national military academy. When Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota arrived in 1864, they refurbished it as their residence. The east end of the castle preserves their palace, with sumptuously furnished salons opening onto an exterior deck that affords panoramic city views – the highlight for many visitors.
The castle was constructed in 1785 as a summer house for the viceroy, but not completed until after independence, when it became the national military academy. The castle, along with Iturbide Palace, are the only royal palaces in North America inhabited by monarchs.
To the Mexica in the time of Nezahualcóyotl, this location was sacred. They built shrines here and studied the movement of stars.
The castle became home to Mexico’s presidents until 1939, when President Lázaro Cárdenas converted it into the Museo Nacional de Historia.
Upon entering, notice the ceiling mural of the Niños Héroes ("Boy Heroes") who died in 1847 defending the castle while it was taken by United States forces during the Mexican–American War.
On the bottom floor, exhibits chronicle the rise of colonial Nueva España to the Mexican Revolution. On display are iconic objects such as the sword wielded by José María Morelos in the Siege of Cuautla and the Virgin of Guadalupe banner borne by Miguel Hidalgo in his march for independence. Murals feature dramatic interpretations of Mexican history by leading muralists, including Juan O’Gorman’s panoramic Retablo de la Independencia (Panel of Independence).
On the upper floor, the opulent rooms belonged to Porfirio Díaz, who in the late 19th century was the first president to use the castle as residences. The most spectacular room might be a stained glass hall of Greco-Roman godesses. In the center is a patio where a tower marks the top of Chapultepec Hill, 45m above street level.
To reach the castle, follow the road that curves up the hill behind the Monumento a los Niños Héroes. Alternatively, a trainlike vehicle (M$25 round-trip) runs up every 15 minutes when the castle is open. You are free to walk to the entrance at the top but to enter, and for the views, you need to buy a ticket. Audioguides in English are available for M$75. No entry with water bottles or food but there are lockers.
