El Ángel - Monumento a la Independencia

The Angel of Independence, located in Mexico City, is perhaps the most iconic monument in the capital. Ask almost any local which symbol best represents the city, and nine out of ten will point to this landmark. Officially named the Monument to Independence, it has stood at its roundabout on Paseo de la Reforma since the 1910 Centennial celebrations.

Among Reforma’s ten major roundabouts, it is a must-see, even if its story is not always widely known.

Designed and built by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, also known for the Municipal Palace of Tlalpan, the monument originally had nine steps at its base. Due to the sinking ground, fourteen additional steps were added over time.

At the base, bronze sculptures symbolize law, war, justice, and peace. Another notable piece is a lion with a child, symbolizing the Mexican people: “strong in war and gentle in peace.”

The column rises 36 meters and contains a 200-step staircase leading to a viewpoint —currently closed to the public—. Its Corinthian capital is adorned with four eagles with outstretched wings.

At the top stands the famous Winged Victory, inspired by the Greek goddess Nike. Standing 6.7 meters tall and weighing seven tons, the sculpture was created by Franco-Italian artist Enrique Alciati. The laurel wreath honors Miguel Hidalgo, while the three-link chain represents the end of Spanish rule after 300 years.

The first stone was laid in 1902. After the 1957 earthquake, the statue fell and broke, requiring over a year of restoration. The original head is preserved in the Historical Archive of Mexico City.

A national mausoleum

Next to the monument stands the statue of Guillén de Lampart, an Irish revolutionary executed in 1659. Inside the Angel lie the remains of 14 heroes of the Independence, including:

• Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla

• José María Morelos y Pavón

• Ignacio Allende

• Juan Aldama

• Guadalupe Victoria

• Vicente Guerrero

• Nicolás Bravo

• Mariano Matamoros

• Leona Vicario

• Francisco Javier Mina, among others.

On select weekends, visitors can climb to the top between 10:00 and 13:00 —a demanding ascent.

The Angel is the city’s traditional gathering point after football victories, international competitions, and national celebrations. It is also a frequent site for protests, marches, and major public events.

How to get there

• Turibús – Historic Center Circuit:
  Stops at the northwest and southeast quadrants.

• Turibús – Coyoacán Circuit (south):
  Stop at the northwest quadrant.

• Capital Bus – Center–Polanco Route:
  Stop at the southeast quadrant; buses head east toward the Historic Center.