Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/270

250 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.

During the next year nothing worthy of note occurred in the capital. 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.

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