Monuments, Mexico City

Hernán Cortés, the conqueror of Mexico, built this government palace on the site of Moctezuma's residence. The Palacio Nacional that we see today dates back to 1693, although a floor was added in the 1920s. Inside there is a wonderful collection of murals by Diego Rivera. The most famous one is the "Epic of the Mexican People in their Struggle for Freedom and Independence", where two thousand years of history are condensed into the space of an enormous wall. The palace also houses a small museum dedicated to Benito Juárez and the Mexican Congress. Admission: Free

This complex of countless rooms, wide stone stairways, and numerous courtyards adorned with carved brass balconies was once where the president of Mexico worked, and it remains an important site for presidential meetings and events. But it's better known for the fabulous second-floor Diego Rivera murals depicting the history of Mexico. Begun in 1692 on the site of Moctezuma II's "new" palace, this building became the site of Hernán Cortez's home and the residence of colonial viceroys. It has changed much in 300 years, taking on its present form in the late 1920s, when the top floor was added. Just 30 minutes here with an English-speaking guide provides essential background for an understanding of Mexican history.
Enter by the central door, over which hangs the bell rung by Padre Miguel Hidalgo when he proclaimed Mexico's independence from Spain in 1810 -- the famous grito. Each September 15, Mexican Independence Day, the president of Mexico stands on the balcony above the door to echo Hidalgo's cry to the thousands of spectators who fill the zócalo. Take the stairs to the Rivera murals, which were painted over a 25-year period. The Legend of Quetzalcoatl depicts the famous tale of the feathered serpent bringing a blond-bearded white man to the country. When Cortez arrived, many Aztecs, recalling this legend, believed him to be Quetzalcoatl. Another mural tells of the American Intervention, when American invaders marched into Mexico City during the War of 1847. It was on this occasion that the military cadets of Chapultepec Castle (then a military school) fought bravely to the last man. The most notable of Rivera's murals is the Great City of Tenochtitlan, a study of the original settlement in the Valley of Mexico. It showcases an Aztec market scene with the budding city in the background and includes a beautiful representation of Xochiquetzal, goddess of love, with her crown of flowers and tattooed legs.

This beautiful monument commemorates the centennial of Mexico's War of Independence, which over the course of time has become a symbol of the city itself. A golden statue of Winged Victory, affectionately referred to as El Ángel, crowns a tall Corinthian column sculpted by Antonio Rivas Mercado and erected in 1910. Beneath its pedestal lie the skulls of some of the main protagonists of the Mexican independence movement, honored by an undying votive flame. Four figures sculpted in Carrara marble sit at the four corners of the base of the column representing peace, war, law and justice. A lion stands among them, crowned with laurels. The statues of war heroes stand at the base of the column.

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The Statue of Juan Pablo II stands near side entrance to the Metropolitan Cathedral. The statue with over imposed image of the Virgin of Guadalupe was made entirely with keys donated by Mexicans. The plaque states that this was done to show that the Mexican people had given the Pope the "key to their hearts".
The sculpture is by Artist Francisco Cárdenas Martínez, the base on the bottom right reads "Pancho Cárdenas" ("Pancho" is a term of endearment for the name "Francisco", similar to "Bob" for a "Robert").

You can watch my 10 min 51 sec HD Video Mexico City around part 7 out of my Youtube channel.

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The Monument to the Revolution (Monumento a la Revolución) is a landmark and monument commemorating the Mexican Revolution. It is located in Republic Square (Plaza de la República) close to my Melia Reforma Hotel.
The structure also functions as a mausoleum for the heroes of the Mexican Revolution of 1910.

You can watch my 8 min 57 sec HD Video Mexico City around part 8 out of my Youtube channel.

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You can see the statue of Cuauht¨¦moc on Avenida Reforma. The inscription at the bottom of the statue translates as "In memory of Cuauht¨¦moc (spelled Quautemoc) and his warriors who battled heroically in defense of their country."
The name Cu¨¡uhtem¨­c means "One That Has Descended Like an Eagle", commonly rendered in English as "Swooping Eagle". Cuauht¨¦moc went to call for reinforcements from the countryside to aid the falling Tenochtitl¨¢n, after eighty days of continuous urban warfare against the Spanish.

You can watch my 2 min 41 sec HD Video Mexico City around part 4 out of my Youtube channel.

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You can see many fountains on Paseo de la Reforma, including a fountain with sculptures that commemorate the nationalization of Mexico's oil reserves and industry in 1938, and a fountain that includes a statue featuring the Roman goddess Diana originally named The Arrow Thrower of the North Star.
The bronze statue is approximately three metres tall. It was cast in 1942. We have been told a lot of interesting stories by our guide about this nude statue. It was stolen several times. At one time the nude body was covered by a loincloth!

You can watch my 5 min 18 sec HD Video Mexico City around part 5 out of my Youtube channel.

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The Monument to Benito Juarez (Hemiciclo a Juárez) situated on the south side of the Alameda Central Park in downtown. It is facing toward the street and looks like a large white semi-circular monument to Benito Juárez, who is one of Mexico's most beloved presidents. He resisted the French occupation, overthrew the Empire, restored the Republic, and used liberal efforts to modernize the country.
We have been told that the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was named after Juárez.
The Alameda Central Park is a green garden with paved paths and decorative fountains and statues, and is frequently the center of civic events.