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Although in comparison with the European monarchies those of Latin America were ephemeral, they did bequeath architectural gems that you can visit
If you like royal themes, you do not have to travel to Europe to enjoy their legacy, because in Latin America there are good examples, inheritance of existing monarchies in the continent, mainly in Brazil and Mexico. Great palaces, houses and even a castle are part of what you can visit, places full of history and a past worth knowing. Here we teach you 3 excellent suggestions to know the Latin American monarchies:
Leer en español: 3 residencias reales en Latinoamérica que debes conocer
1. Imperial Palace, Petrópolis, Brazil
The history of Brazil, in contrast to that of the Spanish-speaking countries, allowed for a long-term empire. The reason, the advance of Napoleón caused that the Portuguese imperial family moved to America to reside there. Their home was in Rio de Janeiro, while his summer home, the imposing Imperial Palace of Petrópolis, received them to rest and escape the high temperatures of Rio. Today, the palace is converted into the Great Museum of Art and History of Brazil, that houses art collections, belongings, and rooms of the Portuguese and Brazilian royal family. Among other things, you can know the jewels of the crown, sheltered in this enclosure, according to information from the same museum.
Cost: Between $ 2.6 and $ 9.5 dollars, depending on the areas you want to access, discounts apply for seniors, students and local residents.
Schedule from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday.
2. Iturbide Palace, Mexico City
The First Mexican Empire lasted only 11 months, enough time for Emperor Agustín de Iturbide to have his coronation and a palace. Located in the heart of the Mexican capital, the Iturbide Palace was the residence of the emperor. It is modest compared to real European or Brazilian residences, but, in that time, Mexico lived a critical economic stage, so much so that the crown jewels were borrowed according to the BBC. With the passing of time, the palace was restored and converted into a museum, the Citibanamex Culture Palace, which houses temporary exhibitions of all kinds: design, painting, sacred art, popular art, etc. Very close to there, in the Metropolitan Cathedral, you can visit the remains of the Emperor Augustin I and see the throne he used.
Cost: Free, both for exhibitions and the palace. Free guided tours.
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
3. Castillo de Chapultepec, Mexico City
Located in one of the lungs of the Mexican capital, the Bosque de Chapultepec houses one of the most extraordinary sites in the city: the Castillo de Chapultepec. It was the home of the Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg, during the Second Mexican Empire, which lasted only three years and culminated with the death of the monarch. In the castle you can visit the Alcázar, which was the area where the emperors lived, you can visit the rooms that still have some of his belongings. It has a spectacular view of Paseo de la Reforma, the main avenue of the capital, also work of Maximiliano . The castle was home to several Mexican presidents, until it became the current National Museum of History. It is considered the only monarchical castle in America, in its collection are the jewels of the Mexican crown. The experience can be completed by touring the Chapultepec forest, twice as big as Central Park. In it you will find a zoo, museums, an artificial lake, amusement parks and it is very close to the National Museum of Anthropology.
Cost: $ 3.5 dollars. 50% discount for students, teachers and seniors. Free on Sundays for nationals and foreigners residing in Mexico.
Hours: From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday.
LatinAmerican Post | Luis Ángel Hernández Liborio
Translated from "3 residencias reales en Latinoamérica que debes conocer"