Creation 1522-1532

Hernn Cortes had it built in 1522, just after the conquer of Tenochtitlan. It is the
third town hall built in New Spain, the first being in Veracruz, then Coyoacan.
The original building was medieval style. It was thought to be a fortress against
possible revolts. It had a bird corral, butchery, barn and a jail. It was built using
stones from ancient Mexica temples. Of the first edifications, only the foundations
remain.
Mutin of 1692
In 1692, a pillage happened in the city, which led the town hall in fire, causing great
damage. It was provoked by the hungry people due to a food shortage.
Leyend says the viceroy, Count Gaspar de la Cerda Silva Sandoval, fled to a
convent where he gave the orders to execute the responsible. As he turned old, he
felt haunted and regretted the facts.
Today, you can find his painting in the viceroys room. His face looks pale, almost
transparent, and some people say that from time to time his soul wanders through
the building.
Rebuilding in 1714
Between 1714 and 1724, it was rebuilt by the architects: Pedro de Arrieta and Jos
Miguel lvarez. It went from a simple medieval style, small windows and wide
walls, to the peninsular baroque. The portals were finished building in 1722.
The neoclassic style was later added with arches and ornaments.
Remodeling in 1906
A few years before the centenary of the independence, Porfirio Diz ordered a third
level to be added. It started in 1906, under the direction of Manuel Gorozpe, and
was finished in 1928.
Here, the hall of cabildos was remodeled with an art nouveau style. It has a
podium, in which you can find a portrait of Miguel Hidalgo and 100 wooden chairs
engraved with the citys weapons.
On the ceiling of the hall you can find an oil painting, painted by Flix Parra. In the
painting, we can see an open sky featuring some of the characters of Mexicos
history, from the conquer to the administration of Porfirio Diaz.
You can also find the Hall of Viceroys, in which you can find paintings of all 62
viceroys of New Spain.
The Federal District was created in the hall of cabildos, in which the process of
creating the city was formalized on November of 1924.
Remodeling of 1934
In 1930, the building was named the headquarters of the department of the city. In
1934, Lazaro Cardenas ordered a fourth level to be added, which gave the building
a new aspect that has lasted for more than eight decades