Mexico City Zocalo

The Zocalo — formally Plaza de la Constitución — is one of the largest public squares in the world, measuring approximately 240 by 240 meters, and has served as the civic and ceremonial heart of Mexico City for over 700 years. The square was originally the main plaza of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, and following the Spanish conquest the colonial powers built their most important institutions directly atop the Aztec ceremonial center. Four major institutions define the square's perimeter: the Metropolitan Cathedral, construction of which began in 1573 and continued for 240 years, making it the largest cathedral in the Americas; the National Palace housing the offices of the Mexican president and Diego Rivera's famous murals depicting Mexican history from pre-Hispanic times to the 20th century; the Templo Mayor, excavated from beneath the city in 1978, displaying Aztec ceremonial structures and a world-class museum of artifacts; and colonial-era city government buildings. The enormous Mexican flag in the center of the square is ceremonially raised every day at 8 AM and lowered at 6 PM by military honor guard in an impressive ceremony open to all. The National Palace murals, located along the main staircase and corridors, are accessible free with a government-issued ID and represent some of Rivera's most ambitious work spanning three walls and 400 square meters. The Templo Mayor complex charges a separate entry fee and includes an important museum with Aztec stone sculptures and ritual objects recovered during excavations that continue today. The square operates at all hours and hosts major political events, national celebrations including Independence Day on September 15-16, and elaborate Día de los Muertos altars in late October and early November that draw visitors from across the country.