Casa Frisac

Did Casa Frisac truly house a notorious bandit’s love affair? Here at Casa Frissac in Mexico City, whispers of romance and scandal intertwine with the grand history of this stunning Neoclassical hacienda. Built in 1900 for the wealthy banker Jesús Pliego Frissac, Casa Frisac showcases the Porfiriato era’s fascination with French architecture. Its simple elegance, punctuated by columns and a central dome, exudes a timeless charm. But behind this facade lies a tale of forbidden love. Legend claims that Pliego’s granddaughter, Matilde de Frissac, fell for a criminal, often rumored to be the infamous “Chucho El Roto.” However, Chucho El Roto had died in prison years before the house was even built. The truth is, Matilde’s love interest remains shrouded in mystery. Her grandfather, enraged by the affair, used his influence to imprison the young man. A heartbroken Matilde received only a coffin filled with stones upon requesting her lover’s body. Casa Frisac’s story continued to evolve. In the 1920s, it became a telephone exchange. Later, it served as the residence of Adolfo López Mateos before he became president of Mexico. From 1966 to 1970, the house was home to UNAM Rector Javier Barros Sierra, whose name now graces the cultural center within. This center, the Instituto Javier Barros Sierra, now offers a vibrant array of workshops in engraving, printmaking, dance, and drawing, keeping the spirit of art and community alive within Casa Frissac’s historic walls. The legend of Matilde’s lost love may be just a whisper in the winds of time. But the legacy of Casa Frissac, a place of art, history, and even a touch of scandal, continues to captivate visitors to this day.