Zócalo (Main Square)
The center of a great city should also be a great place.
City center

The city's main square has changed names several times: Main Square, Arms Square, Public Square and Great Square. In any case the so-called "Zócalo" was the starting point in 1531 for the plan that laid out the city we know today as the "Historical Center" or downtown. Originally this space didn't look like how it does today; it was used by merchants selling their goods to the inhabitants of the city, until the 18th century when they moved to the Parián, a covered market.

During the 18th century there was an obelisk dedicated to Charles IV and a fountain dedicated to the Archangel Michael, which some years later was moved to a square between 8 and 10 Oriente opposite the Capilla de Dolores ("Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows"), on the banks of the old San Francisco river. This fountain was returned to its original site in the 20th century and can be seen today in the middle of the Zócalo.

Nowadays, framed by large leafy trees, the Zócalo is a landmark from which one can start a tour of the city that offers a unique view of Mexico: on one side what many consider the most beautiful cathedral in the Americas and on the other the City Hall with its overtones of the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz.

Don't miss the superb quality of stone carving on the the statue of the Archangel Michael and don't forget to get a picture of yourself in front of the Cathedral or City Hall! Enjoy the ambience of this wonderful place!