The Angel of Independence

After a little walk along the boulevard called Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City downtown, we arrived at the most important monument and the symbol of the city : The Angel of Independence, also named "El Ángel " or "Monumento a la Independencia " - a victory column.

This beautiful monument celebrates Mexico independence – made in 1810. The monument was built to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence, celebrated in 1910.

The four corners of the column monument are guarded by four statues sculpted in Carrara marble, representing peace, war, law and justice. Also at the bottom of the column between these statues is located a lion, crowned with laurels, led by a child, representing the strength and the innocence of youth during War and in the same time the docility during Peace. but also the statues of war heroes.

El Ángel – is bronze sculpture covered with gold. In the right hand the El Ángel holds a laurel crown, symbolizing victory, and in the other hand she holds a broken chain, symbolizing freedom.

The construction of El Ángel was ordered in 1900 by President Porfirio Díaz, and it was ready in 1910. The monument suffered some damage during the earthquake of July 28, 1957 when the sculpture of the Winged Victory fell to the ground and broke into several pieces The restoration lasted more than a year and the sculptor in charge of the this was José Fernández Urbina. It was reopened on September 16, 1958.

In the mausoleum, at the base of the monument, were interred the remains of 14 heroes of the Mexican Independence. Beginning with September 16, 1998, the mausoleum was permanently opened to the public. The entrance in the mausoleum is free and you can view the memorial plaques and climb to the top of the tower.
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