We thought we were going to see a Castle

Chapultepec Castle was on the list of sights to see on the 2nd day. But the pandemic killed that - it has been closed. So we drove around the Park; it is massive. We stopped to look at the Pumping Station where water is drawn from the ground to the water system. Noteworthy for the Half Cupola and Diego Rivera mural. It was being renovated but Wikipedia has a pic of the original.

Leaving the second biggest Park in South America we moved on to the University and the Olympic Stadium. Since we can only look at exteriors of buildings our guide Juan is showing us the architectural sights. The University buildings are famous for the ceramic murals on all sides. These murals were added to the exterior of the Library building over five years by Juan O'Gorman. Remember the name. 

So onto the Olympic Stadium this was only observed but the mural on the entrance was worthy of a second look.

Quote from Wikipedia:

"On the east side of University Olympic Stadium, is a mural by Diego Rivera, called "The University, the Mexican family, peace and youth sports. In the construction of the relief in natural colored stones shows the university shield, with the condor and the eagle on a cactus. Under their wings outstretched, Rivera placed three figures representing the family: the father and the mother giving the dove of peace to his son. At the extremes are two gigantic figures that correspond to some athletes, male and female, who light the torch of Olympic flame. A huge feathered serpent, the symbolic image of the pre-Hispanic god Quetzalcoatl, complements the composition at the bottom."

Juan Gorman house

Leaving that area we were driven to the Diego Rivera/ Frida Kahlo residence where Juan Gorman's house is on the same lot. This compound is now a Museum to all three artists who whose lives were interwoven, see the Diego Rivera link for details. The inside of the houses contain more artifacts and works of art - very impressive.

Nearly lunchtime we now go to Jacinta Square and Market. In this Square we did get to go inside a Parish Church; small and unimposing, but the gardens were magnificent.

An early end to the day but every trip back to the hotel is in horrendous traffic and usually takes an hour.