Stunning Homes in Roma District, Mexico City
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Colonia Roma, a neighbourhood in Mexico City, is home to a unique architectural style that emerged during the Porfirian era – a period marked by the rule of Porfirio Díaz (1876–1911). This era saw extensive modernization of Mexico City, with the urban landscape heavily influenced by Paris.
The Porfirian-era architecture is characterized by cantera stone facades, Neoclassical elements, majestic stairways inspired by Art Nouveau, and wrought-iron gates and railings. These houses often feature classical details such as oculi (oval-shaped windows) above door frames and elegant stone balconies, sometimes replacing traditional wrought iron.
The style is a blend of European influences, particularly Neoclassical and Art Nouveau, with local materials and craftsmanship. This fusion reflects the Europeanizing ambitions of the era.
One of the most beautiful and best-preserved buildings in Colonia Roma is Casa Lamm, originally built as a family estate by Lewis Lamm at the dawn of the 20th century. Despite its initial purpose, Casa Lamm later served as a military barracks due to the political climate of the era. Today, it stands as a renowned high-level educational institution. Casa Lamm boasts broad windows with beautiful ironwork for their balconies and houses over 15,000 unique volumes, informing its academic programs.
Another architectural gem is El Parián shopping arcade, built in 1907. This Porfirian-era structure houses clothing stores, design studios, a medical laboratory, and four restaurants.
The Edificio Balmori, located in the Roma-Condesa cultural corridor, features commercial premises with first-rate cafes and restaurants on its ground floor. The upper levels remain a residential property.
MODO: Museo del Objeto, built in 1907, is one of eight buildings listed as "testimonies of Art Nouveau" in Mexico City. Its cantera facade features oculi – oval-shaped windows simulating eyes – and its balconies are made from the same cantera stone.
The government of Mexico City considers Casa Lamm to be one of the most beautiful and best-preserved buildings in the Roma neighborhood. Other Porfirian-era properties have been transformed into universities, museums, and state offices.
Despite being over a century old, the Porfirian-era manors in Roma still stand, transporting visitors to a time when Mexico City was undergoing extensive modernization and European influence. Porfirio Díaz was the driving force behind this architectural revolution, dressing Mexico City with impressive manors and estates inspired by French architecture.
References: [1] Andrea Fischer, Mexico News Daily [2] Casa Lamm, UNAM [3] Edificio Balmori, Wikipédia en español
- Casa Lamm, initially a family estate, now serves as a high-level educational institution, showcasing its unique architectural style from the Porfirian era with broad windows and ironwork balconies.
- El Parián shopping arcade, built in 1907, is another Porfirian-era architectural gem located in Colonia Roma, housing a variety of businesses, including clothing stores, restaurants, and design studios.
- MODO: Museo del Objeto, a testimonial of Art Nouveau, was built in 1907 and features a cantera facade adorned with oculi and balconies made of the same cantera stone.
- The Edificio Balmori, situated in the Roma-Condesa cultural corridor, combines residential property on its upper levels with commercial premises on the ground floor, offering first-rate cafes and restaurants.
- Porfirio Díaz's architectural revolution, which marked the Porfirian era, saw the construction of impressive manors and estates in Mexico City, inspired by French architecture, creating a unique blend of European influences and local craftsmanship.
