Construction began on the complex in 1522. It was to be the second private residence of Hernán Cortés, built on top of part of the existing palace of the Huey Tlatoani, Moctezuma Xocoyotzin.

Diego Rivera's famous mural "The History of Mexico," which showcases the history of the nation

The building operates as the seat of the federal executive branch of Mexico’s government,

Takes up the entire east side of The Plaza de la Constitución aka: Zócalo or Main Square.