Constitution Plaza

The Constitution Square, the Zócalo, in Mexico City

The Constitution Square, nicknamed the Zócalo, is the monumental heart of Mexico City, one of the largest squares of the world, inscribed in the world heritage of UNESCO. The Mexico City audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this immense space lined with the greatest monuments of the city, the metropolitan cathedral, the National Palace and the former town hall, and the origin of its famous nickname.

The pedestal that gave its name to the square

You will have understood on seeing this monumental square, here you are in the heart of Mexico City, on what is called the Zócalo, or Constitution Square. It is one of the largest squares of the world, lined by some of the biggest monuments of the city: the metropolitan cathedral on your left, the National Palace in front of you, the Supreme Court, the former town hall, in short, all the buildings that gave it its name of Constitution Square. With all this, you will not be surprised to learn that it is inscribed in the world heritage of UNESCO. Its nickname, Zócalo, which means pedestal, comes from an unfinished project: an immense statue symbolising the independence of the city was to rise in the centre of this emblematic square, but, for lack of funding, only its pedestal was built. Become a true meeting point for the inhabitants, who arranged to meet at the Zócalo, this pedestal ended up giving its nickname to the square, still called thus by the locals. Today, in the centre floats an immense Mexican flag, raised and lowered each day with solemnity. The scene of the great national ceremonies, of concerts and of gatherings, the square vibrates to the rhythm of the life of the capital. A monumental square and a heart of the nation, the Constitution Square is a fine stop of the discovery of Mexico City.

What to see

Here you discover one of the largest squares of the world, the Zócalo, heart of Mexico City inscribed in the world heritage of UNESCO; lined with the metropolitan cathedral, the National Palace, the Supreme Court and the former town hall, it owes its nickname to the pedestal of a statue never completed, and bears in its centre an immense Mexican flag. The Constitution Square is the heart of the nation. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Constitution Square lies in the heart of the historic centre of Mexico City, reachable on foot or by metro. It is a public square freely accessible, lined with the great monuments of the city and the scene of ceremonies, concerts and gatherings. You discover it during a walk in the centre.

Why is the Constitution Square of Mexico City called Zócalo?

Because an immense statue of independence was to rise in its centre, but, for lack of funding, only its pedestal, or zócalo, was built; become a meeting point of the inhabitants, this pedestal ended up giving its nickname to the square. One of the largest of the world, lined with the cathedral and the National Palace, it is inscribed in the world heritage of UNESCO.

Where is the Constitution Square in Mexico City?

In the heart of the historic centre of Mexico City, in Mexico.