Mexico Guide
The north
El Obispado
The elegant and recently renovated Obispado, the old Bishop's Palace, tops Chepe Vera hill to the west of the centre, but lies well within the bounds of the city. Its commanding position – affording great views when haze and smog allow – has made it an essential target for Monterrey's many invaders. Built in the eighteenth century, it has served as a barracks, a military hospital and a fortress: among its more dramatic exploits, the Obispado managed to hold out for two days after the rest of the city had fallen to Texan general Zachary Taylor in 1846. The excellent museum inside ( Opening time: Tues– Sun 10am–5pmPrice: M$30) records the city's long history with a little of everything: religious and secular art, arms from the War of Independence, revolutionary pamphlets and old carriages.
You get to the Obispado along Padre Mier, passing on the way the monumental modern church of La Purísima. Take the R4 bus, alighting where it turns off Padre Mier, then continue to the top of the steps at the end of Padre Mier and turn left; it's a ten-minute walk in all. Return to the centre using any bus heading east on Hidalgo.