Palacio de Zambrano

The Palacio de Zambrano in Victoria de Durango is a stately late-18th-century mansion that today serves as the seat of the state executive branch and as a museum devoted to the life of General Francisco Villa. It was built between 1795 and 1800 for the wealthy mining entrepreneur Juan José Zambrano, who amassed a fortune through mining in the Sierra de Durango. Although the builder never held the noble title of count, the building is often called the Palacio del Conde de Zambrano. After the owner's death in 1816, the property first served as commercial premises before the state seized it entirely in 1857 to house government offices. A historic moment came in 1867, when President Benito Juárez stayed here and used the building as a temporary seat of government during his return to restore the republic.

Architecturally, the building impresses with a sober, French-influenced Baroque style. The south facade is built entirely of ashlar masonry and features a continuous arcade with round arches on Tuscan columns, a rare survivor from the 18th century in the city. The upper-floor windows have elegant wrought-iron balconies, while the corners and window shutters are accented with rustic stonework. Inside, three courtyards open up, including an ornate Baroque main courtyard with a staircase that has a medieval feel. The walls are decorated with historic murals depicting the history of the city and the Mexican Revolution.

In addition to the stately rooms, the complex is home to the Teatro Victoria. Originally conceived as the Zambrano family's private salon and opened in 1800, the theater was later remodeled and reopened in 1910 under the name of a local president. Today the complex serves as a cultural hub where you can visit the exhibition on Francisco Villa and take in the historic architecture of the central Plaza IV Centenario, which is also home to the state congress and the state courthouse.