Yes, Mexico has a Castle!

In this story, I’m taking you to Chapultepec castle — a beautiful castle that revealing of Mexico’s past.

Photo by Author

Nestled atop the majestic Chapultepec Hill, in the heart of Mexico City, lies a hidden treasure that has witnessed a myriad of historical events and transformations — Castillo de Chapultepec.

Many wonder, is it truly a castle? And if so, who once called this grand structure their home?

Travel back to the 19th century, Castillo de Chapultepec has been used for roles and functions. It began as the National Military Academy in 1841. Within its formidable walls, the National Military Academy resonated with the passionate dreams of young cadets, each eager to carve their names into history and forge a brighter future for themselves and their nation.

However, destiny had other plans for the castle. In 1864, the great emperor Maximilian and his Empress Carlota turned it into a splendid residence. Years passed, and the political winds turned yet again. In 1882, President Manuel González designated the castle as the President’s official residence, filling it with a fresh feeling of political power. The royal magnificence of the chambers had been replaced by the weight of political decisions that defined the nation.

Nevertheless, the story doesn’t end there. A pivotal decision in 1939 by President Lázaro Cárdenas transformed the castle into the Museo Nacional de Historia. It was an important moment, bringing new life to the castle’s ancient walls. Visitors from all over the world now enter this time capsule, diving into the fascinating story of Mexico’s past. The hallways that once echoed royal footsteps are now filled with curious enthusiasts wanting to learn about the country’s rich cultural history.

As I entered, the main staircase, adorned with a resplendent chandelier, and the near-side staircase, boasting breathtaking murals on both walls and ceiling, left me utterly mesmerized. The splendid staircase brought me to the second floor of the room which displays some precious memorabilia of social elites. Ceramics made of malachite, silver goods, and some portraits captured the spirit of the era. Meanwhile, the first floor is filled with a treasure trove of the country’s history. Where I…