Plizio Visual Lab
House of Tiles
The House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos) is a striking architectural masterpiece located in the historic heart of Mexico City, representing one of the finest examples of New Spanish Baroque design. Originally built as a private residence for the Counts of Orizaba in the 18th century, the palace is renowned for its facade, which is entirely covered in exquisite blue and white Talavera tiles produced in Puebla. This distinctive aesthetic blends European styles with Mudéjar influences, creating a visual texture unlike any other in the city. The interior features a majestic central courtyard with high arches, currently serving as a flagship Sanborns restaurant, a historic venue frequented by intellectuals and revolutionaries like Emiliano Zapata. Above the main staircase, visitors can admire the 1925 mural 'Omniscience' by the acclaimed artist José Clemente Orozco. The building’s enduring elegance and cultural weight make it a central pillar of Mexico City's colonial heritage and landmark for those exploring the capital's artistic history.
- Location: Mexico
- Top sights: Museo Nacional de Arquitectura · Museo Kaluz · Museo del Pulque y las Pulquerías
- Nearby: Tlalnepantla de Baz (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 14 | 14 | 21 | 31 | 61 | 148 | 150 | 157 | 171 | 88 | 30 | 12 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The building was decorated with its characteristic tiles in 1737.
- The mural 'Omniscience' by José Clemente Orozco is located in the stairwell.
- It was declared a National Monument of Mexico in 1931.
- The interior features a spectacular covered courtyard.
- The Sanborns chain took over the building in 1917.
- The tiles symbolized the immense wealth of the owning family.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town House of Tiles (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
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