Zócalo, Central square in Mexico City, Mexico
The Zócalo is a wide paved square in the historic center of Mexico City, surrounded by colonial buildings and monumental structures. The rectangular surface extends across several city blocks and forms the geographic heart of the capital.
Spanish conquerors laid out this square between 1521 and 1524 on the ruins of Tenochtitlan, the destroyed Aztec capital. Over the centuries it was redesigned several times and repeatedly served as the stage for political events.
The name comes from the word for pedestal, because for many years the base of an unfinished monument stood here. Today locals meet at all hours, while street vendors offer their goods and groups rest on the open surfaces.
The square is accessible around the clock and easy to view from ground level. During large events it becomes very crowded, so a visit in the early morning or late afternoon offers a quieter experience.
Every morning and evening a solemn ceremony takes place where soldiers in historic uniforms raise or lower the huge national flag. Beneath the paving stones lie archaeological remains of the Aztec city, made visible in some spots through glass panels.
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