Historic Significance

The history of San Angel Inn began in 1692 when it was an old Carmelite monastery. During this period the property was granted by the Marquise of Sierra Nevada to the Spanish Counts of Pinillas and was then known as the Hacienda of Goicochea in 1776. A large portion of the estate was once used to produce Pulque an alcoholic beverage made with fermented cactus syrup.

Due to its privileged location and beauty  the grounds served as a favorite destination for Spanish Viceroys , the Emperor Maximilian and Carlota and the aristocracy that lived in the Capital.

In 1847, General Santa Anna planned the "Battle of Chapultepec" at this location and during the Revolution Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata formed a pact to control the North and South of Mexico.

 Around 1906 the property of approximately 40 hectares, was acquired by the San Angel Land Co., and gave birth to a housing development called “Altavista”. The main building (or ranch house) became a famous hotel and restaurant named “San Angel Inn”, operated by a French woman known as Madame Roux. It has been said that many famous figures of the time frequently visited the gardens and ballrooms of the inn.

In 1937 the National Institute of Arts and History (INHA) declared the property a “Colonial Monument” and its owner at the time, Don Carlos Prieto, distinguished entrepreneur, writer and musician, hosted music concerts and art fairs on the premises.

Furthermore, between 1955 and 1962, the Universidad Iberoamericana gave Art and Architectural courses on the property.

Since 1962 the property was restored to its original and present day splendor under the direction of Mr. Richard C. Debler who converted it into the succesful restaurant known as the Antiguo San Angel Inn.