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Square · Cidade do México, Cidade do México
Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
The central square of Mexico City, with the Cathedral to the north and the National Palace to the east, built over the former center of Tenochtitlan.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
The Zócalo, officially Plaza de la Constitución, is the main square of Mexico City and one of the largest in the world, about 240 meters on each side. It occupies the site of the former ceremonial and political center of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital, and was the center of the Spanish colonial city.
Surrounding the square are the Metropolitan Cathedral to the north; the National Palace, seat of the federal government, to the east; the city government buildings to the south; and the old commercial arcades to the west. The Templo Mayor archaeological zone begins at the northeast corner.
In the center stands a flagpole with a very large Mexican flag, raised and lowered every day in a military ceremony. The square hosts concerts, fairs and major national celebrations, such as the Cry of Independence on the night of September 15.
Because it is an events space, parts of the square are sometimes fenced off by stages and structures. The surrounding buildings remain open, and the best view of the whole group is from the terraces of the buildings on the west side.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour for the square; a whole day if you include the surrounding buildings.
Best time
In the morning, with light on the Cathedral, or late afternoon during the flag-lowering ceremony. On civic dates and during events the square may be closed by structures.
How to get there
Metro line 2, Zócalo/Tenochtitlan station, on the square. The pedestrian street Madero links the Zócalo to the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Tip
The terraces of the restaurants on the west side of the square offer a view of the Cathedral and the National Palace.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)
What is in Mexico City's Zócalo?
The Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Palace with Diego Rivera's murals, the city government buildings and, on the northeast corner, the archaeological zone of the Templo Mayor. In the center of the square stands the large flagpole.
What is the official name of the Zócalo?
Plaza de la Constitución. The nickname Zócalo comes from the base of a monument that was planned for the center of the square in the 19th century and never completed.
When does the flag ceremony take place at the Zócalo?
The flag is raised in the morning and lowered in the late afternoon by a military detachment, which carries it into the National Palace. Times may change on event days; check locally.