Angel of Independence

The Angel of Independence is a victory column in Mexico City standing on a circular platform above Paseo de la Reforma. The column supports a gilded winged figure at its top and rests on a pedestal with bronze sculptures positioned at the corners.

President Porfirio Díaz inaugurated the monument on September 16, 1910, to celebrate one century since the start of Mexican independence. An earthquake in 1957 damaged the structure and led to major restoration work on the upper statue and its internal framework.

The mausoleum beneath the monument contains the remains of Mexican independence heroes, including Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla and José María Morelos.

The interior of the column opens to visitors on weekends with a permit, requiring a climb of around 200 steps to reach a viewing platform. The platform offers wide views over the surrounding streets and buildings of the city.

A mausoleum beneath the monument holds the remains of several heroes of Mexican independence. This underground chamber remains a place of memory, though it is rarely open to the public.

Location: Cuauhtémoc

Inception: September 16, 1910

Architects: Antonio Rivas Mercado

Creator: Enrique Alciati

GPS coordinates: 19.42700,-99.16771

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:01