The Palacio Nacional, served formerly before the conquest as the new houses of Moctezuma.  At the request of the Viceroy Luis de Velasco, they were purchased in 1562 to be the residences of the viceroys. Since the Independence, it was the headquarters of the State government in its various facets, and today, the building currently holds the representativeness of the Presidency of the Republic. In 1926, the architect Augusto Petriciolia added the third floor, accentuating the greatness of the building that has been through many facets of remodeling to bring uniformity to its architectural style. On the central balcony the Dolores Bell is located, which chimes during the annual ceremony of the  Grito de Independencia . In its third courtyard are large murals by the famous Diego Rivera. The Palacio Nacional is found next to the Plaza de la Constitution, or better known as the Zocalo.

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