Parthenon Zihuatanejo: guide to visiting it on your trip to Ixtapa
Destinations 23/09/2025
The Zihuatanejo Parthenon is a place that sparks curiosity from the first time you hear about it. Its Greek-inspired architecture and the history surrounding it make it a unique and very interesting stop on your trip to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.
Built in the 1980s as a luxurious mansion, today it's a site that combines mystery, legends, and one of the most spectacular views of the bay. If you're looking for something beyond the beaches, here you'll find a corner steeped in history.
The Zihuatanejo Parthenon, also known as the Durazo Parthenon, was the private residence of an epoch-making figure: Arturo "El Negro" Durazo. The building, inspired by classical Greek architecture, was built on a hill with a privileged view of the Pacific, just 15 minutes from downtown Zihuatanejo.
Although the building has now been restored and converted into a cultural center, it retains a mysterious air that attracts curious tourists and photographers alike.
The history of the Ixtapa Parthenon cannot be understood without mentioning El Negro Durazo. Arturo Durazo was chief of the capital's police force in the 1980s and became famous for his eccentric lifestyle and enormous fortune. As a symbol of power, he commissioned the construction of this mansion on the Guerrero coast.
Although its history is full of dark sides, the Negro Durazo Parthenon has remained a reminder of those years. After his political and judicial downfall, the mansion was abandoned, which made it part of the urban legends of the region. Today, it is a tourist attraction that surprises those seeking to discover another side of Zihuatanejo. Finally, in 2024, it reopened as a cultural center, serving as a symbol of both its dark past and the renewal of Zihuatanejo.
Currently, access to the Zihuatanejo Parthenon is open to the public. You can walk through its gardens and admire the structure of its restored halls.
It's best to inquire in advance about schedules and activities, as events and presentations are frequently held there. Even if you don't make it inside, climbing to this point is totally worth it: the panoramic views of the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo coast are breathtaking.
If after visiting the Zihuatanejo Parthenon, you want to continue exploring, this destination offers much more than beaches. The fishing and cultural essence of the town is evident in every corner.
If you're looking to combine beach, comfort, and entertainment, the Park Royal Beach Ixtapa is one of the best options in the hotel zone.
This all-inclusive resort, located on El Palmar Beach, combines comfort, entertainment, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Here you'll find an outdoor pool, a children's water park, a Kids' Club and Teen's Club, as well as a gym and oceanfront lounge.
Staying here ensures a complete vacation in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, with oceanfront sunsets you'll never forget.
Built in the 1980s as a luxurious mansion, today it's a site that combines mystery, legends, and one of the most spectacular views of the bay. If you're looking for something beyond the beaches, here you'll find a corner steeped in history.
What is the Zihuatanejo Parthenon and where is it?
The Zihuatanejo Parthenon, also known as the Durazo Parthenon, was the private residence of an epoch-making figure: Arturo "El Negro" Durazo. The building, inspired by classical Greek architecture, was built on a hill with a privileged view of the Pacific, just 15 minutes from downtown Zihuatanejo.
Although the building has now been restored and converted into a cultural center, it retains a mysterious air that attracts curious tourists and photographers alike.
El Negro Durazo: The Legend Behind the Mansion
The history of the Ixtapa Parthenon cannot be understood without mentioning El Negro Durazo. Arturo Durazo was chief of the capital's police force in the 1980s and became famous for his eccentric lifestyle and enormous fortune. As a symbol of power, he commissioned the construction of this mansion on the Guerrero coast.
Arturo Durazo and His Mark on Guerrero
Although its history is full of dark sides, the Negro Durazo Parthenon has remained a reminder of those years. After his political and judicial downfall, the mansion was abandoned, which made it part of the urban legends of the region. Today, it is a tourist attraction that surprises those seeking to discover another side of Zihuatanejo. Finally, in 2024, it reopened as a cultural center, serving as a symbol of both its dark past and the renewal of Zihuatanejo.
How to visit the house of Negro Durazo?
Currently, access to the Zihuatanejo Parthenon is open to the public. You can walk through its gardens and admire the structure of its restored halls.
It's best to inquire in advance about schedules and activities, as events and presentations are frequently held there. Even if you don't make it inside, climbing to this point is totally worth it: the panoramic views of the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo coast are breathtaking.
What to see in Zihuatanejo in one day
If after visiting the Zihuatanejo Parthenon, you want to continue exploring, this destination offers much more than beaches. The fishing and cultural essence of the town is evident in every corner.
Must-See Activities
- Zihuatanejo Market: This is the perfect place to sample the area's cuisine, local snacks, and buy handicrafts.
- Zihuatanejo Fisherman's Walk: You can take a walk along the bay that connects Principal Beach with Madera Beach, a perfect stroll, especially at sunset.
- Finally, to complete the experience, enjoy nearby beaches like La Ropa or Las Gatas, two classics with a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Ixtapa?
If you're looking to combine beach, comfort, and entertainment, the Park Royal Beach Ixtapa is one of the best options in the hotel zone.
This all-inclusive resort, located on El Palmar Beach, combines comfort, entertainment, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Here you'll find an outdoor pool, a children's water park, a Kids' Club and Teen's Club, as well as a gym and oceanfront lounge.
Staying here ensures a complete vacation in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, with oceanfront sunsets you'll never forget.
