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March 12, 2003 - Visiting the "Zocalo" Zocalo is the largest square in the Western Hemisphere. The square was once part of Tenochtitlan, the political and religious hub of the Aztec Empire. Over the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries the Spaniards built exquisite mansions and public structures from the stones of the Aztec temples that they had destroyed. Today, Zocalo is the heart of Mexico City with shops, cantinas, street vendors, and some surviving historic structures. |
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The Metropolitan Cathedral, the oldest and largest cathedral in Latin America, was built over three centuries, beginning in 1573. The result is a structure of various styles and containing five altars and 14 chapels. An endless amount of beautiful paintings, statues, and altarpieces decorate the interior. This Cathedral dominates Mexico's main square, the Zocalo, a massive concrete area signed with a giant flag. To the East side of the plaza stands the Palacio Nacional. |
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Aspects of the interior of the Cathedral
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The main door to the Cathedral, it is allowed to be opened only every 25 years. |
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At 6:00 pm the Flag was taken down and right after that it was time to take one of the thousands of white and green taxis back to the hotel. |
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The National Palace of Fine Arts built in Carrara's marble, in Art-Deco style was first opened in 1934. We drove by this magnificent building several times. |
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