National Palace (Palacio Nacional)

The National Palace, on the east side of Mexico City’s Zócalo, is the seat of the federal Executive. It was originally Hernán Cortés’s second residence, the Casas Nuevas, built over the palace of Moctezuma Xocoyotzin; the Crown bought it in the 16th century and made it the viceregal palace.

It houses Diego Rivera’s murals of Mexican history. Don’t confuse the Casas Nuevas with the Casas Viejas, the palace of Axayácatl where the Spaniards first lodged.