Was it fate, or a carefully laid plan that brought the Russian Embassy to this legendary corner of La Condesa? Here we stand before the Embassy of Russia in Mexico City. It is more than just a building. It is a landmark steeped in history and intrigue.
Let’s delve into the story of this remarkable place. The Embassy of Russia is housed in a mansion dating back to 1911. This was the twilight of the Porfirato period. The house was built on the remnants of the Hacienda Santa Catarina del Arenal. This once vast farm produced pulque, beef, and fruit. It covered most of modern Condesa. It even included parts of Roma and Juarez.
Founded in 1610, the hacienda was later purchased by the Count of Miravalle in 1704. He gifted it to his wife Maria Magdalena Catarina Davalos de Bracamonte y Orozco. She was the third Countess of Miravalle. That is how La Condesa got its name.
The Escandon family acquired the farm in 1869. Dolores Rubin Escandon received it as a wedding gift in 1911. Soon after, the mansion’s construction began. Don Fernando Gomez de Parada was her husband and an architect. He enlisted Mauricio Maria y Campos Elguero for the project. Maria y Campos was known for transforming the burned Iturbide Theater into the Legislative Palace. Sadly, his career was cut short by his death in 1912.
The House of Gomez de Parada/Rubin somehow accommodated the couple’s nine children. All this while the Mexican Revolution raged around them. The family remained in the house until 1922 despite the turmoil. In that same year, the new USSR established its first embassy. Eventually, the empty mansion was rented to the Brazilian government. They used it as their embassy for several years.
In 1942, the USSR bought the house. They intended to reopen their own embassy here. The property has been a subject of speculation. It was particularly important during the Cold War in the 1950s. After the Soviet Union dissolved, the building became the Embassy of the Russian Federation in 1991.
Mexico and Russia’s relationship goes way back. Diplomatic relations were initially established in 1890. Then, Mexico recognized and established relations with the Soviet Union in 1924. But things got complicated. Mexico broke ties with the USSR in 1930. They even granted asylum to Leon Trotsky. He was later assassinated in Mexico City in 1940. Diplomatic relations were re-established in 1943. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Mexico established relations with the Russian Federation in 1992.
Today, the Embassy of Russia in Mexico City stands as a symbol of diplomacy. It represents a complex and fascinating history. It is essential for anyone exploring La Condesa and Tacubaya. The embassy is located at Jose Vasconcelos No. 204. The phone number is +52 55 5516 0870. The office hours are Monday to Friday. It is open from 08:30 to 13:30 and 16:00 to 19:00.
As we conclude our visit to the Embassy of Russia. Take a moment to appreciate its architectural beauty. Think about the historical events that have shaped its identity. It is more than just a building. It is a living testament to the intricate relationship between Mexico and Russia.