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Angel of Independence

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monument
—°10
Angel of Independence (Mexico)

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The Angel of Independence, officially known as the Monumento a la Independencia, is the most iconic landmark of Mexico City, towering over the Paseo de la Reforma. Dedicated in 1910 to mark the centennial of the start of Mexico's War of Independence, the 45-meter Corinthian column is crowned by a 6.7-meter gilded bronze statue of the Winged Victory. The figure holds a laurel wreath above her head, symbolizing triumph, and a broken chain in her left hand, representing freedom from Spanish rule. Beyond its aesthetic grandeur, the monument serves as a hallowed mausoleum containing the remains of several national heroes, including Miguel Hidalgo and Jose Maria Morelos. The base is intricately decorated with statues representing Law, Justice, War, and Peace. As a focal point of national identity, 'El Ángel' is the traditional gathering place for residents to celebrate sporting victories, ring in the New Year, or participate in political demonstrations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101214161716151514131111
Rain mm1414213161148150157171883012

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Angel of Independence is a public monument on Paseo de la Reforma and can be viewed from the outside at any time. The interior of the base is not normally open to the public.
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Typical hours
The monument is accessible 24/7 as it stands in public space. Occasionally events or closures may occur, but typically it is freely viewable at any time.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time as the monument is outdoors. Particularly nice shots can be taken at sunset or during the blue hour.
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Time needed
A short visit takes 10-15 minutes for photos and enjoying the surroundings. If you plan to explore the surrounding Paseo de la Reforma, allow 30 minutes to an hour.
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Combine with
The monument is on Paseo de la Reforma, a grand avenue with many other attractions. Combine a walk with Chapultepec Castle, the Museum of Anthropology, or the Zona Rosa neighborhood.
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Getting there
The Angel of Independence is easily reached by metro (Insurgentes or Chapultepec station). Several bus lines stop nearby; by car there is parking on side streets.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument in the late afternoon to see golden light on the statue. Be careful crossing the busy roundabout.

Geography

Coordinates
19.42700, -99.16770

Facts

  • Inaugurated on September 16, 1910, by President Porfirio Díaz.
  • The total height of the monument is 45 meters.
  • The bronze statue is covered with 24-karat gold leaf.
  • It houses a mausoleum with the remains of 14 national heroes.
  • The statue fell to the ground during the 1957 earthquake.
  • The statue weighs approximately 7 tons and holds a laurel wreath.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Paseo de la Reforma Financial ZonePaseo de la Reforma Financial Zone<1 km · NExplore →
Chapultepec ZooChapultepec Zoo2 km · SExplore →
Torre LatinoamericanaTorre Latinoamericana3 km · NExplore →
Tlalnepantla de BazTlalnepantla de Baz4 km · SWExplore →
Soumaya MuseumSoumaya Museum4 km · SExplore →
Basilica of Our Lady of GuadalupeBasilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe6 km · NExplore →
Valley of MexicoValley of Mexico8 km · NExplore →
Sierra de GuadalupeSierra de Guadalupe8 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Angel of Independence (10)

Olof Palme🏺 historical

Bronze bust of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme on Paseo de la Reforma near the Angel of Independence.

Casa Cañitas📍 landmark

A 19th-century mansion with a distinctive facade on Paseo de la Reforma.

Museo de Artes Gráficas🏛 museum

Museum of Mexican graphic arts in a former printing press building.

🆓

Auditorio "Maestro Lauro Aguirre"🎭 culture

An auditorium named after Mexican composer Lauro Aguirre, hosting concerts.

Angel of Independence📍 landmark

The iconic Independence Monument on Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City.

Diana the Huntress Fountain📍 landmark

A fountain dedicated to Diana the Huntress, erected in 1942, designed by Vicente Mendiola Quezada.

Museo de Caballería SEDENA🏛 museum

A museum of the cavalry of the Ministry of Defense in Mexico City.

Auditorio de la ESM del IPN🎭 culture

An auditorium of the Superior School of Medicine of IPN in Mexico City.

Colección ENCB🏛 museum

Colección ENCB is a museum in Mexico City housing biological collections from the National School of Biological Sciences.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb the monument?
Access to the observation deck is usually closed to the public or available only by special permit.
What is the best time of day to visit?
Mornings are the quietest time, while in the evening the monument is impressively illuminated.
Is it safe to walk around there in the evening?
Paseo de la Reforma is busy, but stay in well-lit areas regardless.
What does the angel statue symbolize?
The angel symbolizes victory and Mexico's independence from Spain.
Are there parking options nearby?
Parking directly on Reforma is difficult; it is better to use public parking garages or taxis.
Angel of Independence: where is it located?
Angel of Independence is located in Mexico.
Angel of Independence: what is there to see?
Highlights include Olof Palme, Casa Cañitas, Museo de Artes Gráficas.
Angel of Independence: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.
Angel of Independence: why is it worth visiting?
The Angel of Independence, officially known as the Monumento a la Independencia, is the most iconic landmark of Mexico City, towering over the Paseo de la Reforma.
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History & landmarks

Paseo de la Reforma Financial Zone — Angel of Independence (Mexico)
Paseo de la Reforma Financial Zone
The prestigious boulevard houses the Mexican Stock Exchange and the headquarters of the country's major banks.
Mexico City — Angel of Independence (Mexico)
Mexico City
Capital of Mexico

More places

Frida Kahlo Museum — Angel of Independence (Mexico)
Frida Kahlo Museum
The 'Blue House' was the birthplace and residence of painter Frida Kahlo.
Torre Latinoamericana — Angel of Independence (Mexico)
Torre Latinoamericana
A skyscraper in central Mexico City famous for its earthquake-resistant engineering.
House of Tiles — Angel of Independence (Mexico)
House of Tiles
A magnificent 18th-century palace in Mexico City.
Postal Palace — Angel of Independence (Mexico)
Postal Palace
A magnificent building in the historic center of Mexico City.
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral — Angel of Independence (Mexico)
Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
The cathedral on the Zócalo is one of the oldest in the Americas.
Soumaya Museum — Angel of Independence (Mexico)
Soumaya Museum
A futuristic building with a facade of silver hexagons.
Templo Mayor — Angel of Independence (Mexico)
Templo Mayor
The religious center of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlán.
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe — Angel of Independence (Mexico)
Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe
One of the most important Catholic shrines in the world.