As the oldest colonial-era civil structure in the Americas, Palacio de Cortes showcases the history of the region and colonial Mexico. Built in 1526 as a residence for the conquistador Hernan Cortez, the building originally had the double purpose of exerting authority over the conquered natives. Later the structure became a barracks and jail, housing prisoners of war during the war for independence. Currently the building serves as a museum showing the history and artifacts from colonial times and earlier. You can view artifacts from other Spanish colonies and the oldest clock in America; most of the information is only available in Spanish. Plan your visit to Palacio de Cortes and a wealth of other attractions, well-known and undiscovered, using our Cuernavaca trip itinerary maker website.
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Palacio de Cortes reviews
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We enjoyed our visit here. Overall it was the architecture and historical significance of the building as opposed to any one component. more »
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Check it out from the outside if you've never seen plain architecture or volcanic rock. otherwise the Diego Rivera mural and interior remains closed to the public and I see no effort in place to... more »
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What a fabulous way to explore Mexican cultures. Wide open displays share Mexico's bounty and the visitors can roam through the wide spaces comfortably. The gardens outside add another dimension to this extraordinary exhibit that fills a full block. The building is an exhibit of its own as it is a "retired" monetary.
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This is a great place, it had some construccion going but I enjoy everything the have there. I will comeback as soon as I am back in mexico.
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