Mexico City - Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución) 
The central feature of Mexico City is the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución), where Mexico's first Constitution was proclaimed in 1813. Measuring some 240 m (780 ft) each way, it is one of the largest squares in the world. The Spaniards began to lay out the square immediately after the conquest of Tenochtitlán, with its northern half overlying the southern part of the demolished Aztec temple precinct, the Teocalli.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
In the early colonial period the square served a variety of purposes - as a bullfighting arena and a market, among other things. Today the square is one large empty space, which is used for festivals, parades and demonstrations. A huge flag is hoisted every morning. In the Metro station below the square models are on display illustrating the city's development. Dominating the square are the National Palace and the Cathedral, with the Templo Mayor site behind it. The Majestic Hotel roof terrace offers a fine view over the square.
Related Attractions
Read More
Acequia Real
On returning to the Zócalo and passing the National Palace to Calle Corregidora, the visitor will see a reconstructed canal, the Acequia Real. It is a remnant of the canals which once flowed through Mexico City and on which small boats conveyed goods to outlying villages.
Customs House
The Customs House has been owned by the Secretaría de Educación Pública since 1951. The customs system eradicated in 1888 and the building became offices until 1951. The mural Patricians and Patricides (Patricios y patricidas) by David Alfaro Siqueros (1946) is inside.
Merchants' Arcades
The west side of the square is taken up with the Portales de los Mercadores, or Merchants' Arcades, where goods have been offered for sale ever since Cortés' day.
Monte de Piedad
West of the Cathedral stands a much altered building of the colonial period, now occupied by the Monte de Piedad ("Mountain of Compassion"), the state pawnshop. Now the largest in Latin America, it was founded in 1775 by Pedro Tomero de Terreros and moved into its present home in 1850. Unredeemed articles are sold off at monthly auctions.
Museo de la Luz
In 1996 the new Museo de la Luz was opened in the newly renovated church of San Pedro y Pablo, at the junction of Calle Ildefonso and Calle Carmen. Its exhibits relate to astronomy, photography and audiovisual technology.
Museo de la Luz
Calle del Carmen, San Ildefonso
Mexico City, Federal District (Distrito Federal)
Mexico
Calle del Carmen, San Ildefonso
Mexico City, Federal District (Distrito Federal)
Mexico
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Museo de la Medicina Mexican (Antiguo Palacio de la Inquisición)
This building currently houses the Museo de la Medicina Mexicana. The museum features exhibits showing the development of medicine throughout Mexico. The building has been owned by the National School of Medicine since 1854 and a third story was built in 1854.
In 1571 the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition (Antiguo Palacio de la Inquisición) was established here.
In 1571 the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition (Antiguo Palacio de la Inquisición) was established here.
Museo de la Medicina Mexican (Antiguo Palacio de la Inquisición)
República de Brasil, #33
Mexico City, Federal District (Distrito Federal)
Mexico
República de Brasil, #33
Mexico City, Federal District (Distrito Federal)
Mexico
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Palm Sunday - Christian (Apr 01)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Maundy (Holy) Thursday - Christian (Apr 05)
Easter Monday - Christian (Apr 09)
New Year's Eve (December 31)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Palm Sunday - Christian (Apr 01)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
Maundy (Holy) Thursday - Christian (Apr 05)
Easter Monday - Christian (Apr 09)
Museum of Religious Art
Adjoining the Cathedral is a Museum of Religious Art containing many precious church artifacts.
Nuestra Señora de Loreto
In 1996 the new Museo de la Luz was opened in the newly renovated church of San Pedro y Pablo, at the junction of Calle Ildefonso and Calle Carmen. Its exhibits relate to astronomy, photography and audiovisual technology.
Supreme Court of Justice
The south-east corner of the Zócalo is taken up with the building of the Supreme Court of Justice (Suprema Corte de Justicia), erected in 1929 in colonial style on the site of an 18th c. market building. The staircase is decorated with two murals by José Clemente Orozco.
