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55102967
Calle Isabel la Catolica 29, Centro Histórico, Centro. 06000, Historic Center
What it is. A private social club founded in 1863 by Spaniards living in Mexico, so that the Spanish community would have somewhere to meet and keep its roots — and to strengthen relations between the two countries after the Santa María-Calatrava treaty of 1836, in which Spain formally recognised Mexican independence.
Its five addresses. It began in the Palace of the Counts of Santiago de Calimaya (1863–1869), moved to the Palace of the Counts of San Mateo de Valparaíso until 1883 — a building now occupied by Banco Nacional de México — spent two years on San Juan de Letrán, then settled in the Casa Borda at Madero and Bolívar from 1885 to 1893. In 1895 the members finally bought their own plot, at what is now Isabel la Católica 29, and commissioned the Catalan architect Emilio González del Campo to build it.
What to look at. The result is one of the most lavish interiors in the historic centre: a monumental marble staircase, a ballroom with gilded plasterwork and chandeliers, and ironwork and stained glass of the period. The restaurant on the ground floor serves Spanish food and is open to the public, which is how most people get to see the building.
Practical notes. Isabel la Católica #29, Centro. Metro Zócalo-Tenochtitlan and Isabel la Católica, line 1. The upper salons are a private club: confirm access or book a table downstairs rather than assuming you can walk up.
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