Angel of Independence

Commissioned in 1900 by President Porfirio Díaz to commemorate the centennial of the start of Mexico's War of Independence, this iconic monument was designed by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado. It was officially inaugurated in 1910, just as the Mexican Revolution was beginning to simmer. The structure serves as a victory column, inspired by similar monuments in Europe, symbolizing the triumph of the nation over colonial rule. The column is topped by a 6.7-meter tall bronze statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, covered in 24-karat gold leaf. In her right hand, she holds a laurel crown representing victory, while her left holds a broken chain symbolizing three centuries of Spanish rule coming to an end. Beneath the column lies a sacred crypt, which was added in 1925 to serve as a final resting place for the remains of several key figures of the independence movement, including Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos. Throughout its history, the 'Angel' has become a resilient symbol of the city's spirit. It famously survived a devastating earthquake in 1957, during which the statue fell and shattered on the ground. The current statue is a meticulous restoration from the original molds. Today, it is more than just a historical site; it is the primary gathering point for Mexicans to celebrate national holidays, sports victories, and to voice social and political concerns, standing proudly on the grand Paseo de la Reforma.