The Rebel Chick

  • Food
  • Recipe Index
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • About
  • Home
  • Parenting
  • Shopping
  • Style
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Entertainment
  • Shopping
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipe Index
    • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Beauty
    • Entertainment
    • Shopping
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Travel

    5 Monuments to See in Mexico City #MexicoCity

    Published: Jun 4, 2013 · Modified: Mar 25, 2023 by Jennifer · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

    2477 shares

    As you drive along Paseo de la Reforma, you'll slowly begin to realize that the street is lined with monuments. Here are my favorite 5 Monuments to See in Mexico City.

    Some insurgents, some Indian, some Spaniard - the street pays homage to those who came before with beautifully detailed statues, culminating in the Monumento de la Indepenance in front of the Sheraton Maria Isabel Hotel & Towers.

    Though I only spent a few days in Mexico City (I was there on an all-expenses paid press trip with the Mexico City board of tourism), it quickly became clear to me that the city was full of art and beauty; the beautiful monuments I glimpsed on Paseo de la Reforma weren't the only ones.

    They were just the beginning!

    Monumento De Cuauhtemoc

    Monumento De Cuauhtemoc

    The Monument de Cuauhtémoc was created to honor the last of the Mexica emperors. Spearheaded by architect Francis H. Jimenez, construction of the monument began on May 5, 1878 and was completed some nine years later in 1887.

    The monument is topped by a sculpture of Emperor Cuauhtémoc created by prominent Mexican sculptor Miguel Noren, who also created other sculptural elements that make up the monument highlighting especially the 8 bronze leopard headdresses and tombstones commemorating important events the life of the monarch.

    Location: Paseo de la Reforma corner with Insurgentes

    Monumento de la Indepenence

    Monumento de la Indepenance

    Inspired by a project to pay tribute to the heroes of the independence, the building of the Monumento de la Independence was managed by the architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, with the first stone laid on January 2, 1902 by Porfirio Diaz.

    Inside this base are the physical remains of some of the most prominent leaders of Mexican independence, such as Miguel Hidalgo, Vicente Guerrero and Ignacio Allende. There are also sculptures of these insurgents, and a sculpture of a lion led by a child, which represents the domain of truth and intelligence over strength. The Corinthian column is carved out of the Chiluca quarry and is crowned by the famous winged victory, which was a symbol of triumph among the ancient Greeks.

    Location: Paseo de la Reforma Avenue corner Florence

    Zocalo - Plaza de la Constitución

    zocalo plaza church

    The Zócalo, or Plaza de la Constitución is the main plaza in the middle of the centre historico, or the historic center, of Mexico City, derived from the Cádiz Constitution which was signed in Spain in 1812.

    Zocalo has been a gathering place since Aztec times, when it was the center of the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan. Today is where the church, presidential palace and government offices are located. Zocalo is also where people come to protest, being that it is the true city center, and the government is right there as well!

    It is one of the largest city squares in the world, and not only can you find the oldest church in Mexico, the Cathedral, the presidential palace, and the federal district buildings there, but an enormous outdoor market on weekends. Oh...and El Templo Mayor!

    El Templo Mayor

    SONY DSC

    You can't go to Mexico City and not visit Templo Mayor. You just can't. Even if your children aren't interested in history, seeing the remnants on a pyramid built in the 1300s will surely have an impact on them, even if it serves no other purpose than to spark an interest in native Indian cultures. You can take a tour and visit the Templo Mayor museum as well. This is on my must-do list for my return trip to Mexico City!

    Construction of Templo Mayor began sometime in the early 1300s, and archaeologists have found that there were additions built around it approximately six times after that. The temple was destroyed by the Spaniards in 1521, with the stones taken from the pyramid used in the building of the Cathedral and nearby buildings.

    Location: Corner of Seminario and Justo Sierra streets

    The Benito Juarez Monument

    The Benito Juarez Monument

    The first full blooded native Indian (he was a Zapotec Indian) to become president of Mexico, Benito Juarez served five terms as president, from 1858 to 1872.

    Benito Juarez was famous for fighting for the equal rights of the indigenous people of Mexico, as well as reforming the educational system and pushing to transform Mexico into more of a democracy with less political influence from the church.

    Location: Palacio de Bellas Artes

    These five monuments are just the beginning. As you make your way through Mexico City, especially centre historico, you'll quickly realize that Mexico City is a place that not only embraces their past, they celebrate it!

    More CHECK OUT OUR CATALOG ON TRAVEL ON THE REBEL CHICK!

    • The Best 5 European Countries to Travel to in May
      The Best 5 European Countries to Travel to in May
    • Discover the Best of Italy: Top Attractions and Must-Do Experiences
      6 Key Things to Check Before Choosing Your Next Tour Company
    • Fishing in Islamorada With Bud N Mary's Marina
      Why Florida Is Having a Fishing Moment
    • sedona rockface
      Where to Travel in May 2025
    2477 shares

    About Jennifer

    Jennifer, AKA "The Rebel Chick," is a 40-something Gen Xer who strives to help her readers live their best lives possible with easy recipes, travel inspiration and lifestyle tips!

    Comments

    1. Crystal says

      June 04, 2013 at 10:38 am

      So much architecture there. Must have been a wonderful trip.

    2. Stefanie says

      June 04, 2013 at 11:29 am

      Mexico City looks like a cool mix of old and new.

    3. Robin Gagnon says

      June 04, 2013 at 11:31 am

      Stinkin' rotten Conquistadors >:(

    4. Penelope (NYC Blogger) says

      June 04, 2013 at 5:29 pm

      I went for such a short time when I was there, and it was so touristy- we were brought to stores to shop, or commercial eateries, by our tour. I didnt' get to see any of this 🙁

    5. Jenn says

      June 04, 2013 at 6:57 pm

      I had no idea there was so much history in Mexico City. I always think of it as modern with the historical stuff being more spread out across the country.

    6. Vanessa: thequeenofswag says

      June 04, 2013 at 8:06 pm

      These look like some amazing places to visit. Who knew such great sites were in Mexico City.

    7. Elaina- says

      June 04, 2013 at 10:02 pm

      I cannot wait to go back! There is so much history here!

    8. LyndaS says

      June 04, 2013 at 10:24 pm

      I would like to visit there. I like to see different types of architecture and to be immersed in other cultures. Makes me 1) see ways that we can improve ourselves, and 2) appreciate things at home.

    9. Liz says

      June 04, 2013 at 11:18 pm

      If for no other reason that it's so historically rich, I'd love to go and see some Mexico sights like you did!

    10. TerriAnn says

      June 05, 2013 at 2:52 am

      Wow, I had no idea! Those are amazing tributes to the area's past!

    11. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

      June 05, 2013 at 6:30 am

      Oh man! I have never been to Mexico, but this really makes me want to plan a trip there soon!

    12. Anne - Mommy Has to Work says

      June 05, 2013 at 11:58 am

      I would love to visit and see all the history.

    13. Tammy says

      June 06, 2013 at 2:48 pm

      So neat! A lot of those monuments remind me of what we saw in Portugal and Spain...but I suppose that's not terribly surprising LOL. I would LOVE to visit that pyramid spot, how cool!

    14. Abby says

      June 21, 2013 at 2:04 am

      I really loved Mexico City. I'm not saying we didn't follow some crazy rules, but I had a friend who was interning there, and we lived with a huge family in Satellite City. We had the best time! What culture, restaurants, and shopping....

    15. Jennifer Quillen says

      June 21, 2013 at 9:43 am

      It was amazing! It was definitely one of those places that surprised me, I didn't know what to expect but I really didn't expect to love it so very much!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Hi, I'm Jennifer! I'm a Miami native and I love sharing easy dinner recipes, baking recipes, travel ideas and general Miami Lifestyle fun! Follow along for inspiration on how to make the most of your life!

    More about me →

    Recent Popular Recipes

    • Barbecue Chicken Flatbread
    • 3 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
    • Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole topped with melted cheese
    • Mediterranean Flatbread

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services
    • Media Kit

    The Rebel Chick is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Share-a-Sale, Commission Junction, Rakuten and LinkShare; affiliate advertising programs designed to allow me to earn advertising fees by advertising these affiliate links.