A Tourist’s View of CDMX’s Angel of Independence

I have seen the Angel of Independence 100 times in the few months I’ve been living in Mexico City. It seems to sit at the heart of everything I need to go to while I’ve lived here.

The Angel of Independence is located in the neighborhood of Juarez on a street called Paseo de la Reforma. It stands 22 feet high as the crown for the base which is 118 feet high. This monument is a commemoration of Mexico City’s Independence and attracts many people for many occasions.

I can notably remember an evening where I was around the Angel of Independence when someone had approached my friends and I asking if we would like our pictures taken in perfect English. He then showed several photos of pictures around the statue and saw that it was very professional.

So at the price of $10 USD I got about 15 pictures around the Angel of Independence. It was very well done. Also I should say this was also nearing Mexico City’s Independence Day – so the occasion was right as there were lights decorating the avenue leading towards the angel.

The Angel of Independence Around Independence Day

(I highly recommend getting your photos done with a professional photographer)

Mexico’s Independence Day happens on September 16th. Around this time there are plenty of celebrations and gatherings throughout the whole city. More specifically at Mexico City’s center or centro. But it was also a very busy time around the Angel of Independence.

You’ll see lights running across the avenue towards the monument around this time. Plus there are many vendors selling different things on the sidewalks near the monument (But this could also be a daily thing). So many people were at the statue around this time.

Even though I got my photos taken nearing the holiday. There should be professional photographers there waiting to snap a photo if you’d like. Just look for people with iPads meandering the sidewalks. Their iPads show their portfolio of photos.

History of the Angel of Independence

I like dabbling a bit into history when checking out different places. Usually I prefer a walking tour guide to explain it like I did when I took a day trip to tour Mexico City’s surrounding pyramids. However this time I decided to venture with my own research.

When was the Angel of Independence built?

The Angel of Independence is over 200 years old. It was built in 1910.

What does the Angel of Independence represent?

The Angel of Independence has two representations. On the base of this monument is an 118 feet column surrounded with bronze sculptures symbolizing war, peace and justice. It is crowned with the Angel statue at 22 feet as a War of Independence tribute to Mexico’s victory over Spain.

It Has Undergone Restoration Several Times

This monument has been restored several times in the past centuries. The first time was due to a 1957 earthquake which broke the head and the right arm of the Angel. Restoration started in 1958 and took one year to fix.

The Head is not Original

The original head of the Angel of Independence is kept in an official archive by Mexico City. It is said to weigh 250 kilos.

2006 Bicentennial Restoration

In 2006, to commemorate the 200 years since winning Mexican Independence, a general restoration began. It was during this time that the Angel of Independence received a 24 karat gold plate application.

The Most Emblematic and Cultural Icon

It is also one of the most iconic statues in Mexico City. If not the most iconic.

Many people come here as it is a center of several movements and the like. But also for national celebrations, weddings, parties, quinceaneras, or for when students graduate.

Of course it is also a tourist destination.

Things to do around the Angel of Independence

If you find yourself seeing the Angel of Independence, you’ll realize you probably need an hour at most to check it out. Mostly to socialize and take pictures I would think.

Once you’re done there, I would walk past the many vendors near the sidewalks of Paseo de la Reforma. They will sell many souvenirs as well as snacks you can try that are local to CDMX.

Additionally there Zona Rosa – a neighborhood known as the gay district with a great nightlife. It is 10 minutes walking from the monument. There you can grab a beverage or meal as well.

There is a mall called Reforma 222 that is 3 stories and also within a 10 minute walk from the Angel of Independence.

If you wanted to venture a bit further out, you could take the bus or Uber to Mexico City’s center to see the art Mexico City has as well. These will mostly be museums, cathedrals and the like located near the Zocalo of Mexico City’s center.

Related Questions

Where is the Angel of Independence?

The Angel of Independence is located at a roundabout in the neighborhood called Juarez. The street it is on is called Paseo de la Reforma. 

How tall is the Angel of Independence?

The statue of the Angel is 22 feet tall with a base of 118 feet. The total height of the monument is 140 feet.

What is the Angel of Independence made of?

It is made of bronze covered with 24 karat gold. And it weighs 7 tons.