Taxco silver magnate José de la Borda built a stately residence in Cuernavaca, and these gardens of pools and fountains were laid out as an addition to the original residence. Manuel de la Borda, son of José, built it in 1783, and from 1866 on the house was the summer residence of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota, who entertained guests in these gardens. This is one of Cuernavaca's main tourist attractions.