National Palace

The National Palace features a sprawling, ochre-colored stone facade that stretches across the entire eastern edge of the Zocalo. This site rests directly atop the ruins of Moctezuma the Second's final residence. Hernan Cortes ordered the construction of his own colonial manor here in the sixteen twenties using the volcanic stones from the razed Aztec structures. Centuries later, architect Augusto Petricioli expanded the building, adding the third floor and the ornate central balcony where the president delivers the annual independence cry.