Did you know that Chapultepec Castle was called “Miravalle” in Honor of the Miramar Castle belonging to Maximiliano and Carlota? Well, just like this one, there are surely many facts you still don’t know about this one emblematic museum of the CDMX. In addition to giving you the General Info for you to visit it, we will tell you some details that almost nobody talks about.
1. Astronomical observatory
The hill where Chapultepec Castle stands today was a point of observation and astronomical study. During the empire of Nezahualcóyotl, from here the Mexica studied the movement of the stars to define the orientation of cities and buildings. In addition, they built a teocalli (temple) and shrines for the gods.
Many years later, at the beginning of the Porfiriato, the first National Astronomical Observatory was established. This was at the request of Minister Vicente Riva Palacio in order to observe the transit of Venus, a historical phenomenon of 1882. However, the observatory’s permanence in the castle was one year.
2. Cinema and bowling!
During the government of Porfirio Díaz, the chancellor intended Chapultepec Castle to be a showcase for Mexico’s technological, artistic and architectural advances; it should be noted that personalities from other countries often visited this site.
That’s why Diaz invested in the modernization of the building: a bowling alley was installed, billiard tables and chess, and even elevators! In 1896, the theaters of this venue projected the first movie show in the country.
3. Archaeological findings
The venue has undergone many remodeling and modernization processes since it was built. We must not forget that Chapultepec was a sacred place during pre-Hispanic times; inhabited by Mexica communities thanks to the springs of drinking water there.
Therefore, ceramic pieces, Tlaloc figures, remains of aqueducts and many other vestiges have been found in the castle and surrounding areas.
One of the greatest finds was in the Alcazar garden where a lead box called the “time box” was found; it contained silver coins, a calendar, a theater Program and a newspaper El Siglo Diez y Nueve. The box corresponds to 1849 when the Military College was reestablished.
4. Was it called Miravalle?
just as you read it! During 1864 the emperors Maximiliando de Habsburgo and Carlota chose this place as their residence. Officially they called it “Imperial Palace of Chapultepec”, where they developed remodeling, roads and other architectural works.
However, the Chapultepec Castle was also named “Miravalle” in memory of the Miramar Castle located in the city of Trieste, Italy, which belonged to these characters.
5. Chapultepec Castle General Info
The National Museum of History Castillo de Chapultepec is a place you must visit at least once in your life. It has temporary and permanent exhibits ranging from pre-Hispanic times to the 20th century.
The general admission ticket is $95, but on Sunday access is free. Admission is also free for children under 13, seniors over 60, teachers and students with ID, as well as people with disabilities.
Its hours are 🕒 Times: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00 and it is located in the first section of Chapultepec Forest.