Zocalo

The Zocalo of Mexico City is the name of the main plaza in the historic center. Its name comes from the Spanish word for base, due to a base built for a monument to the Mexican War of Independence that was never completed. Many cities and towns in Mexico now also use the word to denote their main plazas as well.

Views of the Zocalo itself [edit]

Looking east onto the Zocalo focusing on the National Palace
Looking southeast onto the Zocalo. With the National Palace and one of the Federal District buildings plainly visible.
Looking east onto the Zocalo and National Palace.
Looking west from Zocalo
Looking west from Zocalo along Madera Street
Pedestrian crossing to the Zocalo (circa 1999)
Lowering the national flag at the Zocalo
Flag shot with National Palace in background
National flag and Christmas piñata display in the Zocalo
Clock counting down to Bicentennial. Taken Sept 2008
Boy getting ready to dance at Zocalo
Indigenous dancing on Zocalo
Musician playing at concert in the Zocalo
Barrel organ player on the west side of the Zocalo
Mexican army band playing on the zocalo, looking west
Cleaning the plaza, circa 2000
Zócalo and surroundings as seen from Torre Latinoamericana
360° panoramic view of Zócalo, May 2007
Panoramic view of Zócalo, seen from rooftop restaurant
lively Zócalo at nightfall, seen from rooftop of Holiday Inn

Buildings on the Zocalo [edit]

View of the Metropolitan Cathedral which takes up the north side of the Zocalo
Monte de Piedad building at northwest corner
The National Palace of Mexico, which takes up the entire east side
The "old" Palace de Ayuntamiento or original city government building
The "new" federal district government building on south side of Zocalo
Federal District buildings on Zócalo, decorated for the 2010 Bicentenario celebrations
Federal District buildings seen from rooftop restaurant of Hotel Majestic

Maps and other representations of the Zocalo [edit]

Model of the Zocalo as it appeared in 1910, located in the Metro Zocalo station
Model of Zocalo as it appeard in early 19th century, located in the Metro Zocalo station
Model of Zocalo as it appeared in 1824, located in the Metro Zocalo station