The Plaza de la Constitución is better known, across Mexico, as the Zócalo. It’s the central plaza of the City and often referred to as the central plaza of the entire country. The plaza is, in fact, the center of ancient Tenochtitlan. When the Spanish took the city, they retained this plaza as the political and religious center of the country – and of course, of the city too.

Surrounding the Zócalo

The Zócalo is bordered on the north by the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City. To the east is the National Palace, seat of the Federal Government. To the south is the Antiguo Palacio del Ayuntamiento, seat of the city government, and it’s twin. To the west you will find private buildings, among them the Mercaderes building and the original Monte de Piedad. Along this side you’ll find a few restaurants and terraces with spectacular views of the center city.

Registry