Castillo de Chapultepec as a hub for national identity and tourism

  • María del Carmen Navarrete Torres Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco
Keywords: Castillo de Chapultepec, tradition museum, identity

Abstract

Chapultepec Castle is one of the most emblematic places in Mexico City and a symbol of national identity. Located on the top of a hill within the Chapultepec forest, it has a history that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. Originally, it was used as a place of residence for the Aztec emperors and, later, for Emperor Maximilian of Habsburg. Today it houses the National Museum of History. The museum has 12 permanent exhibition rooms that present the historical trajectory of the country, from the Conquest to the Mexican Revolution; and 22 rooms in the area known as Alcazar, in which the rooms of Maximilian and Carlota and of President Porfirio Díaz are recreated, as well as a room that recalls the assault on the Castle.
The objective was to analyze the museum and make it known as a cultural expression. A documentary research with a qualitative-descriptive approach was carried out, and secondary sources were consulted. It is concluded that the Castillo de Chapultepec is not only a historical building; it is a pillar of Mexican identity and an engine of tourism. Its rich history, its impact on the local economy and its role as a cultural center make it a unique place to understand Mexico's past and present. Visiting it fosters a sense of belonging and celebrates the culture that defines the country.

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Published
2025-10-03
How to Cite
Navarrete Torres, M. del C. (2025, October 3). Castillo de Chapultepec as a hub for national identity and tourism. Journal of Tourism and Heritage Research, 8(2), 222-231. Retrieved from https://jthr.es/index.php/journal/article/view/701