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Castle and museum · Cidade do México, Cidade do México
Castillo de Chapultepec
Castle atop the Chapultepec hill, residence of Emperor Maximilian and home to the National Museum of History, with views of Paseo de la Reforma.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castillo de Chapultepec
Chapultepec Castle sits atop a hill within the forest of the same name, at about 2,325 meters altitude. Built at the end of the 18th century as a viceroys' summer residence, it became a military academy and was the scene of the September 13, 1847 battle in the war against the United States, when the cadets remembered as the "Niños Héroes" died.
Between 1864 and 1867, the castle was remodeled to serve as the residence of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota. It was Maximilian who ordered the creation of the boulevard that is now Paseo de la Reforma, connecting the castle to downtown. Later it served as a residence for presidents.
Since 1944, the castle has housed the National Museum of History, with rooms on the conquest, the colonial period, independence and the revolution, murals by Siqueiros and O'Gorman, and the furnished apartments from Maximilian's time. The terraces and the upper garden offer views of Reforma and the forest.
The ascent is on foot via a ramp of about 15 minutes from the forest entrance; there is a small train for those with difficulty walking when it is operating.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One and a half to two hours, including the walk up.
Best time
In the morning, combined with the Museum of Anthropology in the afternoon, or vice versa. It usually closes on Mondays; check.
How to get there
Via the main entrance to Chapultepec forest, next to the Niños Héroes monument. Metro line 1, Chapultepec station.
Tip
Climb the terrace up to the upper garden for a top-down view of Reforma.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castillo de Chapultepec
What is in Chapultepec Castle?
The National Museum of History, with rooms about Mexico's history, murals and the furnished apartments of Emperor Maximilian, as well as terraces with city views.
How do you get up to Chapultepec Castle?
On foot, via a ramp of about 15 minutes from the forest entrance. There is a small train for those who have difficulty walking, when it is operating.
Who lived in Chapultepec Castle?
Spanish viceroys in the summer, Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota from 1864 to 1867, and later Mexican presidents. The military college also operated there.