Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
Gardens and fountains
Center
Garden of the Keep
Right
La Batalla de Zacatecas
, A. Bolivar
Castillo de Chapultepec
!
Museo Nacional de
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Staircase of the Lions
Historia - Alcázar Section
The lavish east wing of the
Castillo, known as the Alcázar,
was the Presidential Residence
and Mansion of Mexican leaders
from 1864 through 1939. Today
the Alcázar and its gardens have
been preserved to illustrate the
lifestyle of the early presidents.
The personal articles of former
Mexican presidents are displayed
in 23 opulent rooms with lavish
furnishings
(see p83)
.
@
Museo Nacional de
This elegant staircase with
marble lions at the base provides
access to the rooftop Garden of
the Keep. The staircase was built
in 1878 to provide access to the
National Observatory, and was
remodeled in 1906 when the
lions and statuary were added.
Historia - Castillo Section
This section of the museum is
based in the oldest portion of the
Castillo. The first floor's rooms
present Mexico's turbulent history
from the Spanish conquest
through the Revolution. The sec-
ond floor has two rooms featuring
cultural and social displays
from 1759-1917
(see p83)
.
£
Museo del
Staircase of the Lions, Alcázar Section
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Stained-Glass Windows
The east wing has five
exquisite French stained-glass
windows. The windows at
the top of the Staircase
of the Lions have Mexi-
can crests, one of an
eagle perched on a
cactus devouring a
snake, and two with a
grasshopper, denoting
Chapultepec (Grass-
hopper) Hill.
^
West Terrace
Caracol
The Galeria de Historia
is known as Museo del
Caracol because the
building is shaped like a
snail. A spiral walkway is
lined with exhibits that
portray the struggle for
Mexican independence through
the Revolution up to the mid-20th
century.
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Section 1, Bosque de
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Stained-glass
window
The terrace on the
Castillo's west side is landscaped
with a lovely flower garden filled
with fountains and statues. The
front balcony offers wonderful
views of Lago de Chapultepec
and vistas out across the park.
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