| Colonial cities in Mexico were laid out in a grid
fashion with a plaza at the center. The Zócalo is the place
to go to visit the Templo
Mayor, National
Palace and National
Cathedral and is the heart of the Centro Historico, Mexico City
and the nation itself
The word 'zócalo' means 'pedestal' and usage dates back
to a planned monument that was never completed beyond the pedestal.
Nevertheless, the word was used not only to describe Mexico City's
plaza but most plazas throughout the country.
Mexico City's Zócalo is bounded on the north by Cinco de
Mayo, on the east by Pino Suárez, on the south by 16 de Septiembre
and on the West by Monte de Piedad. If you arrive by metro, your
first view will be dramatic.
While the center of town is becoming greener, there's not much
shade, so bring a hat and some water. If you need to escape the
sun, duck into a museum or stand in the spindle of shade created
by the flagpole.
NATIONAL
CATHEDRAL
North side of the Zócalo
Cortés used much of the stones from the Aztec
capital to construct the church. That church was torn down in 1573
and construction of the Cathedral began in 1573 and was completed
in 1667. There are 5 naves and 14 chapels.
NATIONAL
PALACE
East side of the Zócalo
The building boasts the murals of Diego Rivera. Inside the palace
is a neglected garden and the museum dedicated to Benito
Juárez. You will need a photo ID to enter.
Palacio
Nacional
TEMPLO MAYOR
Northeast corner of the Zócalo
The Templo
Mayor is located at the heart of the Aztec empire. Visitors
have access to the archaeological site and world-class museum.
CITY HALL
South side of the Zócalo
MERCHANT'S
ARCADE
West side of the Zócalo
Merchants on the west side sell gold jewelry. There are numerous
cafés and even a traditional hat shop.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE CENTRO
The area was damaged by the 1985 earthquake. That said, the entire
centro has received a face-lift the past five years. Buildings have
been scrubbed with high-pressure water jets and repainted in pastels.
Many of the pedestrian streets have new stone pavement and the sidewalks
have been reconstructed. It's all part of a major renovation.
TRANSPORTATION
Bici-taxis are available for spins around the Zócalo. For
biking info, consult our Mexico
Biking Guide! |
