A legacy that transcends time.
From its New Spanish origins to the signing of the Treaties of Córdoba—
335 years of history that continue to be written.
The Zevallos Building, located on Avenue 1—once known as Calle Real for being the main street—takes its name from one of its former owners, “Count” José Manuel de Zevallos, originally from Villa Polanco in Santander, Spain, and captain of the Royalist Forces of the Kingdom of Spain. The building was constructed in 1687, sixty-nine years after the founding of the Villa of Córdoba.
The property has served multiple purposes throughout its history. It was originally the home of the De Zevallos family during the 17th and 18th centuries. Later, it functioned as lodging for travelers who arrived through the port of Veracruz and continued their journey toward Mexico City. But its fame is owed to the fact that on August 24, 1821, it hosted General Agustín de Iturbide and the last viceroy of New Spain, Don Juan de O’Donojú, during the signing of the Treaties of Córdoba, the document that marked the beginning of Independent Mexico.
It is said that during the Revolutionary period, Venustiano Carranza, then president of the country, conducted his governmental affairs in Córdoba, and several of his activities took place inside the Zevallos building.
In 1921, on the occasion of the one-hundredth anniversary of the Treaties of Córdoba, the Zevallos Hotel became the venue for numerous events presided over by President Álvaro Obregón. By that time, the arcade had already begun to serve as a meeting place for the city’s most notable families.
Architecturally, the building features a construction system typical of the era, consisting of thick stone walls coated with lime, Tuscan columns, barrel vaults, semicircular arches, ceramic floors, stone paving in the central courtyard, and wooden beams lining the corridors overlooking the patio. In 1944, its tile roof was replaced with the slab roof it has today; the original fountain in the center of the courtyard was destroyed, and years later rebuilt in its original style.
Despite having endured events such as military occupation, wall collapses, and even the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the area—in August 1973—the building now stands stronger than ever.
Today, it has been modernized without losing its original structure and still preserves the same appearance it had three centuries ago. Under the portales you’ll find two restaurants—Café Parroquia and Tabachín—that bring life to the city. On the second floor is El Balcón, a restaurant that, from its position atop the upper arcades, offers diners a spectacular panoramic view of the Plaza de Armas. Inside the upper floor is Hotel Boutique Casa Zevallos, an ideal place to rest and immerse oneself in the stories and legends that have shaped history.
