Palace of Iturbide facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Palace of Iturbide |
|
|---|---|
|
Palacio de Iturbide
|
|
Facade of Palace of Iturbide
|
|
| Alternative names | Palace of the Counts of San Mateo de Valparaiso and Marquises of Jaral de Berio |
| Etymology | Agustín de Iturbide |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | New Spanish Baroque |
| Construction started | 1779 |
| Completed | 1785 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Francisco Antonio Guerrero y Torres |
The Palace of Iturbide is a grand old building in the historic center of Mexico City. It was built between 1779 and 1785. A rich man named the Count of San Mateo Valparaíso built it as a special wedding gift for his daughter.
The palace got its famous name because Agustín de Iturbide lived there. He was a very important leader who helped Mexico gain independence from Spain. Iturbide even accepted the crown to become Mexico's first emperor (Agustín I) right at this palace. Today, the beautiful building has been restored. It is now called the Palacio de Cultura Banamex and hosts many cultural events.
Contents
History of the Palace
This amazing home was built by Miguel de Berrio y Saldívar. He was known as the Count of San Mateo Valparaíso. He was very wealthy from mining and raising livestock. He also served as the mayor of Mexico City.
People say he built the palace to be as valuable as his daughter's wedding gift, which was a huge amount of money. He wanted to make sure his new son-in-law, the Marquis of Moncada from Sicily, wouldn't waste his daughter's fortune. The palace was even designed to look like the royal palace in Palermo.
The grandson of the builder didn't want to live in the palace. Instead, he let important visitors stay there. One of these visitors was Agustín de Iturbide. From a balcony at this palace, Iturbide agreed to become Mexico's first emperor after the country became independent from Spain. He lived here as emperor from 1821 to 1823.
Before the palace was built, this land was given to Gonzalo Juárez de Córdoba by the Spanish Crown. Later, it was a convent for the Sisters of Saint Brigit until they sold the land to the Count.
Palace Design and Style
.jpg)
This building is a great example of Mexican Baroque style. It was designed by Francisco Antonio Guerrero y Torres. His brother-in-law, Agustín Duran, finished the work between 1779 and 1785.
The palace has three main floors and a middle floor, called a mezzanine. Its design shows influences from Italian Baroque architecture. The outside walls are made of two types of stone: dark red tezontle and light-colored cantera stone.
Two strong towers stand at each end of the front of the building. There's also a central covered walkway, or loggia, which is now closed. The outside is decorated with beautiful stone carvings. These carvings show plants, geometric shapes, small mermaids with two tails, and graceful male figures. Inside, the entrance area has a curved, vaulted ceiling.
A large archway leads into the main courtyard. This courtyard is decorated with interesting geometric patterns. It is surrounded by eighteen arches. These arches are held up by strong, simple columns called Tuscan columns.
Later Uses of the Palace
In the early 1800s, the building was used as the College of Mining. In 1855, it was changed into a hotel. It stayed a hotel for over 100 years!
In 1965, the building was bought and restored by the National Bank of Mexico. In 1972, it became the home of the Banamex Cultural Foundation. This foundation helps promote art and culture.
From 2002 to 2004, the foundation spent two years doing a lot of important restoration work. They reopened the building as the “Palacio de Cultura Banamex.” Today, it hosts many temporary art shows. It also offers art workshops for both adults and children.
Images for kids
-
Facade of the Palace of Iturbide in 1883 by Thomas Brocklehurst.
-
Courtyard of the Palace of Iturbide in 1880 by Abel Briquet.
_(14782720325).jpg)
,_1880s.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Palacio de Iturbide para niños
- List of colonial non-religious buildings in Mexico City
