Rob “Hobbes” T.
Google
Reportedly the fifth largest city plaza in the world, this is indeed a wonderful walking area, diverse in what it has, with especially my favorite the Neptune water fountain. This plaza adds a great atmosphere to the experience and wonderfulness of Monterrey. This public space is about 400k square meters (~100 acres), with the Government Palace on the southern end (closer to the Rio Santa Catarina) as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Monterrey, and stretching to the north with the LABNL Lab Cultural Ciudadano and the Museum del Palacio / Palacio de Gobierno del Estado Nuevo León (which is absolutely gorgeous especially at night).
There are a number of statues, with my favorite being the Monumento al Trabajo (Monument to Workers), as my degree is metallurgical engineering, and also as a director / manager, I’ve much appreciation for those that labor in the front lines. Of course the before mentioned Fuente de Neptuno is inspiring, and also lol refreshing as its mist helps take some of the heat away on the downwind side.
There are dozens of street vendors, food to handmade crafts, all selling their products. You will also hopefully catch various performers such as fire dancers, and guitar or saxophone musicians. I was also able to see dancers performing outside part of the Teatro de la Ciudad one evening. The library Biblioteca Central Estado Fray Servando Teresa De Mier is also nearby, but sadly I was not able to visit it.
Many athletic events have their start / finish here too, including a major triathlon along with a 5k/10k event, the former being a significant undertaking with participants coming from many other countries, and the latter likewise large organized by the nearby gorgeous Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestta Senora de Monterrey.
To the east of the northern area is a large walkway with neat street lamps that takes you to the interesting Museum of Mexican History, along with the western end of the stunning and cool Canal de Santa Lucia, which is itself an awesome walkway.
To the east on the southern area is the likewise wonderful area of Barrio Antiguo, which has awesome tasty restaurants and many nightclubs and cool theater.
To the west on the southern area is the walking only pathway José Maria Morelo, which has its own flavor of vendors snd shops too.
I am so jealous and sad that my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri doesn’t have anything close to what this amazing city public area has… so vibrant, full of life and culture and wonderful people.
