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Pachuca Clock Tower

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Pachuca Clock Tower (Mexico)

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The Pachuca Clock Tower, or 'Reloj Monumental,' is the definitive symbol of the city of Pachuca and a grand monument to Mexican national pride. Inaugurated in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of the Mexican War of Independence, this neoclassical tower stands 40 meters tall in the heart of Plaza Independencia. Built from light-colored local stone, the tower features four architectural levels. On the third level, four statues carved from Carrara marble represent the muses of Liberty, Independence, Constitution, and Reform, pillars of the Mexican state. Perhaps its most famous feature is the internal clockwork, which was manufactured by the same British firm that created London's Big Ben, resulting in a chime that is nearly identical to its world-famous counterpart. The tower reflects the architectural ambition and economic wealth brought to the region by the mining industry during the Porfiriato era. Today, it serves as a central gathering point and a beacon of history, drawing visitors to appreciate its statues, its music, and its enduring role as the soul of Pachuca.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar–May.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C111315171817161615141211
Rain mm22202837601501591662001184519

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The clock tower stands on Plaza Independencia and is freely accessible from the outside at any time. Access to the interior or climbing may not be possible; inquire locally about any visiting hours.
🕒
Typical hours
The exterior of the tower is visible around the clock. If the interior is open, it typically follows public building hours, usually on weekdays and at certain times of day.
📷
Photography
Photograph the tower best from across the plaza, especially from the center of Plaza Independencia. It looks particularly striking against a blue sky or in evening illumination.
⏱️
Time needed
Viewing the exterior takes only about 15-20 minutes; allow half an hour for photos and lingering on the plaza. The tower is a brief, worthwhile stop.
➕
Combine with
The tower is in central Pachuca; combine the visit with a walk around Plaza Independencia and the surrounding streets. Nearby you'll find the government building and several museums.
🧭
Getting there
The clock tower is easily accessible on foot from the city center; many hotels and bus lines stop near the plaza. Parking is available on surrounding streets but limited.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the tower in the late afternoon when the sun bathes the plaza in warm light. Listen to the chimes on the hour - it's a local highlight.

Geography

Coordinates
20.12600, -98.73000

Facts

  • The clock mechanism is the same as that of Big Ben in London.
  • The tower was built from local white stone known as 'cantera blanca'.
  • The four statues represent Independence, Liberty, Constitution, and Reform.
  • The clockwork was manufactured by the famous Dent company in England.
  • The tower's bells play the Mexican national anthem on special occasions.
  • The monument consists of four levels and stands 40 meters tall.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

PachucaPachuca<1 km · SExplore →
Mineral del ChicoMineral del Chico1 km · WExplore →
Aqueduct of Padre TemblequeAqueduct of Padre Tembleque9 km · NEExplore →
Pyramid of the MoonPyramid of the Moon15 km · SEExplore →
Huasca de OcampoHuasca de Ocampo17 km · NExplore →
TexcocoTexcoco20 km · SEExplore →
ChalcoChalco24 km · SEExplore →
ChimalhuacánChimalhuacán29 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Pachuca Clock Tower (11)

Plaza Dr. Octavio Ruiz Speare🌿 nature

A tree-lined plaza named after Dr. Octavio Ruiz Speare near Pachuca Clock Tower.

Piedra Del Comal🏺 historical

A large rock formation shaped like a comal (griddle) near Pachuca Clock Tower.

Cristo Rey🌿 nature

Cristo Rey in Pachuca is a viewpoint with a Christ the King statue overlooking the city.

Archivo Historico y Museo de Mineria, Asociación Civil🏛 museum

Museum of mining history in Pachuca's historic archive building near the Clock Tower.

English Cemetery📍 landmark

Cemetery for 19th-century English miners near Pachuca Clock Tower.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

Museo Casa Grande🏛 museum

Museum in a grand 19th-century mining mansion near Pachuca Clock Tower.

Mina la Dificultad🏛 museum

Mina la Dificultad in Pachuca is a former mine turned museum and interpretation center.

Parque Estatal Bosque El Hiloche🌿 nature

El Hiloche state park with pine forests near Pachuca Clock Tower.

Auditorio Mpal.🎭 culture

Municipal auditorium for performing arts near Pachuca Clock Tower.

Teatro San Francisco🎭 culture

Teatro San Francisco in Pachuca is a theatre named after Saint Francis.

Foro Escénico 330🎭 culture

Foro Escénico 330 in Pachuca is a venue for performing arts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the clock tower?
A well-known landmark of Pachuca.
Can you climb the tower?
Usually not, it's mostly for photos from outside.
Is there anything to eat nearby?
Yes, many cafes and snacks around the square.
When is the best time for photos?
Late in the afternoon the light is well-suited.
Is the square lively?
Yes, especially in the evening.
Pachuca Clock Tower: where is it located?
Pachuca Clock Tower is located in Mexico.
Pachuca Clock Tower: what is there to see?
Highlights include Plaza Dr. Octavio Ruiz Speare, Piedra Del Comal, Cristo Rey.
Pachuca Clock Tower: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, May.
Pachuca Clock Tower: why is it worth visiting?
The Pachuca Clock Tower, or 'Reloj Monumental,' is the definitive symbol of the city of Pachuca and a grand monument to Mexican national pride.
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