Angel of Independence, Mexico City
The Angel of Independence (Columna de la Independencia) stands as a symbol of both jubilation and dissent. Erected to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexican Independence and honor its heroes, this magnificent monument graces the Paseo Reforma roundabout in Mexico City.
In the year 1902, President Porfirio Diaz entrusted the task of creating this sculpture. The skilled Italian sculptor, Aciati, crafted the adorned figures while architect Antonio Rivas Mercado designed the overall structure. Originally, the Angel was intended to mark Mexico's centennial Independence celebration. However, in 1925, it was further designated as a mausoleum for esteemed heroes. Beneath its foundations rest the remains of revered figures like Miguel Hidalgo, Juan Aldama, and Nicolas Bravo.
Though tragedy struck in 1957 when an earthquake caused the Angel to fall from its pillar, sculptor Jose Fernandez Urbina adeptly restored it to its former glory. An eternal flame was added in 1929, a poignant symbol paying homage to the interred heroes.
Crafted with a blend of steel and quarried stone, the 36-meter tall column boasts intricate carvings of garlands, palms, and rings. These carvings also bear the names of significant personalities pivotal to Mexico's independence struggle. Atop the column, a majestic 6.7-meter bronze angel, coated with 24-carat gold, surveys the surroundings.
For those who venture inside the column, a concealed staircase leads to the Corinthian-style Capital. Furthermore, at night, the angel is artfully illuminated, providing a breathtaking sight for passersby. The Angel of Independence, standing tall and resolute, remains an everlasting testament to Mexico's rich history and the valor of its heroes.
Tip:
Tours to the Angel normally include only a walk around inside the statue's base and its mini-museum; however, with advance notice and a special permit, groups can ascend the statue's inner staircase and go all the way to the top for a glimpse at the city below – a breathtaking site!
In the year 1902, President Porfirio Diaz entrusted the task of creating this sculpture. The skilled Italian sculptor, Aciati, crafted the adorned figures while architect Antonio Rivas Mercado designed the overall structure. Originally, the Angel was intended to mark Mexico's centennial Independence celebration. However, in 1925, it was further designated as a mausoleum for esteemed heroes. Beneath its foundations rest the remains of revered figures like Miguel Hidalgo, Juan Aldama, and Nicolas Bravo.
Though tragedy struck in 1957 when an earthquake caused the Angel to fall from its pillar, sculptor Jose Fernandez Urbina adeptly restored it to its former glory. An eternal flame was added in 1929, a poignant symbol paying homage to the interred heroes.
Crafted with a blend of steel and quarried stone, the 36-meter tall column boasts intricate carvings of garlands, palms, and rings. These carvings also bear the names of significant personalities pivotal to Mexico's independence struggle. Atop the column, a majestic 6.7-meter bronze angel, coated with 24-carat gold, surveys the surroundings.
For those who venture inside the column, a concealed staircase leads to the Corinthian-style Capital. Furthermore, at night, the angel is artfully illuminated, providing a breathtaking sight for passersby. The Angel of Independence, standing tall and resolute, remains an everlasting testament to Mexico's rich history and the valor of its heroes.
Tip:
Tours to the Angel normally include only a walk around inside the statue's base and its mini-museum; however, with advance notice and a special permit, groups can ascend the statue's inner staircase and go all the way to the top for a glimpse at the city below – a breathtaking site!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mexico City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Angel of Independence on Map
Sight Name: Angel of Independence
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Mexico City, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Mexico City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Mexico City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Zona Rosa Walking Tour
Zona Rosa, or "Pink Zone" in English, is a vibrant neighborhood near the historic center of the Mexican capital which is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. The neighborhood's name comes from the pink-colored tiles abundantly used to pave the local streets.
The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Historic Center Food Tour
A combination of history and tradition in Mexico City permeates all aspects of life, including food. For centuries, food and drink have been an inseparable part of the city's culture. Within Mexico City's bustling historic center, you can find a variety of culinary gems that offer a taste of what we call diverse Mexican cuisine.
One of the must-visit spots here is the San Juan Market.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One of the must-visit spots here is the San Juan Market.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Historic Center Walking Tour
Mexico City is the oldest capital in the Americas and is one of the two founded by indigenous people. Originally known as Mexico Tenochtitlan, the city was built by the Mexicas (aka Aztecs) in 1325. According to a legend, the Mexicas' principal god, Huitzilopochtli, pointed out the site of the future settlement with an image of a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Coyoacan District Walking Tour
Translated from the Nahuatle language as “The Land of Coyotes”, Coyoacán is a relatively quiet neighborhood in the southern part of Mexico City. Formerly a rural village, over the years Coyoacán has become a rich pocket of art and history in the capital, closely associated with some iconic figures of the 20th century and the tumultuous times in which they lived.
One of its most famous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of its most famous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Chapultepec Park Walking Tour
Nicknamed "the Lungs of Mexico City", Chapultepec Park is a vast oasis of lush greenery in the heart of the Mexican capital, sprawling over 686 hectares of land, providing a vital source of oxygen for the city. Rich in natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere, throughout centuries, this park has inspired various works of literature, poetry, and visual art, further... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
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