Squares and gardens

The seat of one of the most feared and ignoble institutions in all of New Spain, the Palace of the Inquisition, can be visited in the Plaza de Santo Domingo. Here, in addition to recalling the legends and traditions surrounding this notorious tribunal, visitors can also imagine the life of the former Customs House and the Evangelistís Portal.

The countless trees of La Alameda rise like guardians for ancient stories of gallantry, drama, and progress. Around its fringes stand such noteworthy buildings as the Palace of Fine Arts, the Santa Veracruz plaza, and the Gallery of the Viceroyalty.

For those who like to dream a little, it is possible to view, close by, the mural by Diego Rivera dedicated to this park, while for those visitors who would like to attain a higher perspective on the city, the Latin America Tower stands by to offer magnificent panoramas from its lofty observation decks.

Right besides the Alameda, the Plaza de Mineria is surrounded by several of the city's most sumptuous buildings: the Mineria Palace, the former Ministry of Communications, which is today the National Museum of Art, and the Postal Palace. Right in its center is the equestrian statue of Charles IV, popularly know as El Caballito.

Upon arriving at the Plaza de la Republica the visitor is greeted by a great open expanse with the austerely imposing Monument to the Revolution at its center, as well as several art deco style buildings which surround the square.

In the Ciudadela there are inviting corners to study, to buy handicrafts or to just sit quietly in the shade and relax. A particularly beautiful spot can also be found here: the Carlos Pacheco plaza, which is a convenient site from which to venture into the Roma district, an interesting neighborhood bursting with tradition and cultural activity.

In Mexican movies as in more personal moments of celebration, city dwellers always refer to the Plaza de Garibaldi as the best place in town where music, carousing and typical Mexican food can be heartily enjoyed until the late, late hours.

[HISTORIC CENTER]