
Angel of Independence, Mexico City
The focal point for both celebrations and protests, the Angel of Independence serves as a monument of the 100th year of Mexican Independence and as a memorial for its heroes. The statue is located in a roundabout over the Paseo Reforma in Mexico City. The official name of the statue is the Columna de la Independencia.
President Porfirio Diaz commissioned the sculpture in 1902. Italian sculptor Aciati made the figures that adorned the structure and architect Antonio Rivas Mercado designed the monument. The first purpose of the Angel was to commemorate the 100th year of Mexico's Independence. In 1925, the monument was also made a mausoleum for heroes. Miguel Hidalgo, the father of the nation, Juan Aldama and Nicolas Bravo are interred beneath the foundations. The angel fell from the pillar in the earthquake of 1957 but was restored to its former glory by sculptor Jose Fernandez Urbina. An eternal flame to honor the interred heroes was added in 1929.
The column is made of steel surrounded by quarried stone. The 36-meter high column is covered with carved garlands, palms and rings. The carved figures contain names of the important personalities who helped to shape Mexico's independence. The angel on top is 6.7 meters high and is made of bronze coated with 24-carat gold. A hidden staircase within the column takes visitors to the Corinthian style Capital and the angel is lit beautifully for the benefit of those who drive by at night.
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!
President Porfirio Diaz commissioned the sculpture in 1902. Italian sculptor Aciati made the figures that adorned the structure and architect Antonio Rivas Mercado designed the monument. The first purpose of the Angel was to commemorate the 100th year of Mexico's Independence. In 1925, the monument was also made a mausoleum for heroes. Miguel Hidalgo, the father of the nation, Juan Aldama and Nicolas Bravo are interred beneath the foundations. The angel fell from the pillar in the earthquake of 1957 but was restored to its former glory by sculptor Jose Fernandez Urbina. An eternal flame to honor the interred heroes was added in 1929.
The column is made of steel surrounded by quarried stone. The 36-meter high column is covered with carved garlands, palms and rings. The carved figures contain names of the important personalities who helped to shape Mexico's independence. The angel on top is 6.7 meters high and is made of bronze coated with 24-carat gold. A hidden staircase within the column takes visitors to the Corinthian style Capital and the angel is lit beautifully for the benefit of those who drive by at night.
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!
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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 iTunes 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
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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
Zona Rosa Walking Tour
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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
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Historic Center Walking Tour
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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
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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