Chapultepec Castle [cdmx]

Chapultepec Castle is the centerpiece of an incredible urban park located in the heart of Mexico City. This incredible green space is the perfect place to escape the madness of Mexico City for a few hours. The castle was built in 1785 at the request of the Colonial governor and has been used for many purposes over its storied existence. Since 1939, it has been the National Museum of History.

It has been the official residence of Viceroys, Archbishops and Emperors as well as different government agencies, such as a Military Academy and a astronomical observatory. The castle was built in the middle of the Bosque de Chapultepec on the highest point of the hill. The views of the surrounding city, which stretches off in all directions, is one of the best reasons to visit. It is the eye of the storm that is Mexico City.

The castle plays an important role of showcasing the story of Mexico in a historically important setting.

National Museum of History

The museum at Chapultepec Catle is home to many different paintings and exhibits that do an incredible job of piecing together the modern history of Mexico, from it’s infancy as a colony of Spain to the modern day Republic of Mexico. There are beautiful gardens and many of the rooms have been restored to their former glory. It’s like looking into a time capsule.

During the Mexcican-American war of 1847, it was the setting of one of the most devastating battles of the war which led to the capture of the castle. This defeat has been captured in the lore of both the castle and the country, as the story of the Niños Héroes is told to this day. It memorializes 6 young cadets who died protecting the castle.

Chapultepec Castle is one of the most worthwhile places in the city to visit. There are some incredible photo opportunities, especially for the views of Paseo Reforma from above. It would be easy to spend a whole day exploring this incredible spot with many other museums and attractions we didn’t visit.

Chapultepec Castle