Royal Customs House

Royal Customs House (18th Century)

Control of trade on the Silver Route

Located on Ponce de León Street, just steps from Vasco de Quiroga Square, this magnificent mansion stands as a living testament to Pátzcuaro's commercial boom during the viceroyalty. Now a boutique hotel, its history is essential to understanding the economy of that era.

History and Function Built in the 18th century, this building housed the Royal Customs House. Its main function was administrative and fiscal: here the collection of the alcabalas (taxes) on general merchandise entering and leaving the region was controlled, a strategic point on the trade routes to Tierra Caliente and the west.

💡 Expert Fact: Were there two Customs Houses in Pátzcuaro? It's very common to confuse this building with the current Municipal Palace. Although both were government buildings, they had very different functions:

• Here (Royal Customs House): General trade was managed and taxes on various goods were collected.

• In the Municipal Palace: There was the Tobacco Monopoly, an exclusive Crown monopoly for the sale of cigars and snuff.

We recommend visiting both buildings to compare the understated elegance of their administrative facades.

Architecture that speaks Upon observing its facade, you will notice details that denote authority and prestige. Although understated, the stonework portal and the arrangement of its windows reflect the importance of the institution it housed. Inside, it retains the typical central courtyard layout, characteristic of the noble houses of Pátzcuaro.