The original Zihuatanejo Parthenon was built by Arturo Durazo Moreno. He was the Police Chief of Mexico City from 1976 to 1982. Durazo, known as “El Negro”, was extremely corrupt. He became Police Chief due to a childhood friendship with the Mexican president at the time, Jose Lopez Portillo. Durazo cleaned up crime in Mexico by partnering with one cartel and killing rival cartel members. His $10,000USD salary per year was augmented by accepting kickbacks from the police officers, and through racketeering, including the killing of rivals and moving drugs through Mexico into the United States. When Durazo became Police Chief he was already wanted in the United States. He used the proceeds from his criminal activities to live a lavish lifestyle with his criminal wife, and purchase and build homes in the United States and Mexico, including the Parthenon here in Zihua.
In 1982 Mexican authorities attempted to arrest Durazo, but he escaped the country. The FBI caught him in Puerto Rico in 1984. He was returned to Mexico in 1986 and given a 16 year sentence for his crimes. However, he was released after only 6 years due to ill health. He died in 2000. The government took control of the Parthenon, and for many years it sat dormant. Most anything of value had been taken, but there was always a guard on site. Sometimes, you could offer the guard 50 or 100 pesos and he would allow you to enter the grounds.
In 2022 the government started a renovation project. I’m not sure you can exact numbers for the cost of the renovation, but the stated amount was $15million pesos ($750,000USD). The paintings from Durazo’s Parthenon of 40+ years ago were restored, and a few of the original marble tables are still in use. The original massive main gate is still there, too.
In November, 2024 there was a dedication ceremony for the new Parthenon. The Parthenon is now used as a cultural center. The old pool is now a stage, and there is seating for 700 people. The original bedrooms upstairs are now galleries where you can purchase art and photos. The pool house is now a small restaurant called Majala Cafe. There were rumors of a Studio 54 night club, and underground tunnels, so perhaps those are still there for the lucky few to see.
The Parthenon is open to the public from 10am to 7pm Tuesday through Saturday. It’s 50 pesos for Mexican residents and citizens, and 100 pesos for foreign tourists. Children under 5, and Seniors over 60 can enter for free. Majala Cafe offers sodas, coffees, and food for sale. We had an excellent grilled cheese sandwich and some cold, refreshing mango and passion fruit sodas.
To get to the Parthenon, there is limited parking if you want to drive. Obviously you can take a taxi or walk, and the combi bus that goes through Centro to Playa La Ropa will stop at the entrance. Just look for the small van/bus with “Partenon” in big letters on the front. The cost should be about 10 pesos per person for the transportation.
The views are wonderful and it’s worth a visit. It can get hot on the grounds. Our recommendation is to arrive right at 10am, or, better yet, visit after 5pm and stay for sunset. Pro tip: The art rooms are air conditioned.
