stone building was begun in 1695, and, with the exception of certain parts of its interior, finished in 1703. It was first called the Alcaicería de la Plaza Mayor, because built after the manner of the raw silk market in Manila. Its name was soon afterward changed to the Parian.[1]
During the next year nothing worthy of note occurred in the capital.[2] In 1693 the rebuilding of the palace was begun, and in course of time this structure assumed magnificent proportions. Although occupied in 1697 by Viceroy Montezuma, it was not completed until nearly a hundred years later.[3]
About the end of the eighteenth century the palace is described as a magnificent building, covering four squares, and exceeding in extent the largest building in Madrid. It had a handsome façade, and within were three courtyards, each communicating with the other. Facing the largest of the three were situated the halls of the audiencia, with all its offices, and those of the other tribunals. This was called the palace court to distinguish it from the others, and a fountain, whose central figure was a bronze horse, occupied its center. Here also was the principal entrance to the palace. Adjoining this court was that on which the viceregal apartments faced, a series of spacious rooms occupying the upper portion of the building and
- ↑ So called because its interior resembled that of the oriental bazaar. In 1703 the building, with 98 stalls, was completed, at a cost of 97,052 pesos; between 1757 and 1794 83 more were added, making in all 181 stalls, and the total cost of the building 141,570 pesos. Parian, Col. Doc., 1-2, 22, 49; Dicc. Univ., v. 738-9.
- ↑ The maintenance of order in the city was henceforth assured by the organization of two regiments of militia. Notwithstanding the frequent orders of the crown, the two cavalry companies formed on the 9th of June and supported by the royal treasury were not abolished until the end of 1696. Parian, Col. Doc., 13-16. The final decree abolishing them was dated Oct. 9, 1696.
- ↑ Work on the palace was begun about the middle of February under the direction of Fray Diego de Valverde, an Augustine friar. Robles, Diario, ii. 125-6. During the administration of Viceroy Galve the sum of 195,544 pesos was expended in the work. In future administrations appropriations of a greater or less amount were made, that during the rule of Viceroy Flores, 1787-9, being the last. According to an official report made in 1792 by order of Viceroy Revilla Gigedo, the total amount expended in its reconstruction was 781,607 pesos. Alaman, Disert. Hist. Mex., iii. app. 100-2.
