About
The Palacio de Cortés stands on the Plaza de la Constitución in the Centro of Cuernavaca, the capital of the state of Morelos in Mexico. It is one of the city's most recognisable historic buildings, and a natural first stop for anyone exploring the old town on foot.
A historic palace
The palace was built by Hernán Cortés in the 16th century. Its thick walls and stone courtyards date from that early colonial period, and walking through its rooms gives a sense of the centuries the building has seen. Today it is also known as the Cortés Palace.
Murals by Diego Rivera
The main draw for many visitors is the series of murals by Diego Rivera, which depict episodes of Mexican history. Painted across the walls, they offer a visual account of the country's past and make the building worth a slow visit rather than a quick look from the square.
The Museum of Cuernavaca
The palace now houses the Museum of Cuernavaca, so the visit combines architecture, art and local history in one place. It suits travellers with an interest in Mexican art, in colonial buildings, or in the story of the region.
Around the palace
- The Plaza de la Constitución, the open square that gives the palace its setting.
- The surrounding Centro district, where the old streets and markets are easy to reach on foot.
- The wider city of Cuernavaca, which is a short distance from Mexico City and well suited to a day or a longer stay.
For details of visiting, the palace can be reached by telephone at +52 777 312 8171. The address is Plaza de la Constitución s/n, Centro, 62000 Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
