The Angel of Independence

🇲🇽❤️The Ángel de la Independencia is one of the most iconic and meaningful landmarks in Mexico City. More than just a monument, it represents Mexican history, independence, and national pride. The architecture is impressive, especially the golden angel at the top, and the surrounding roundabout gives it a grand presence. It’s a great place for photos at any time of day, but it’s especially beautiful at night when it’s illuminated. The area is lively and often serves as a gathering point for celebrations, protests, and cultural events, which adds to its historical significance. Located on Paseo de la Reforma, it’s close to restaurants, hotels, and other major attractions. A must-see if you’re visiting Mexico City, and a symbol that truly captures the spirit of the country.

One of Mexico City’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see along Paseo de la Reforma. The golden angel is stunning, especially against the city skyline, and the monument carries deep historical and national significance. It’s a great spot for photos both during the day and at night, and you can really feel its importance as a place for celebrations and public gatherings. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s absolutely worth stopping by.

This monument is not only beautiful, but especially beautiful because of the heroes buried here. So many people gave their lives to ensure the freedoms of Mexico. Taking time to remember those who have gone before us can inspire us to live as they did, with heroic sacrifice and bravery. If you plan to visit, sometimes there are barricades to keep protestors from defacing it.

The Ángel de la Independencia is one of Mexico City’s most iconic landmarks, symbolizing freedom and national pride. Located on Paseo de la Reforma, its golden winged statue and grand architecture are truly breathtaking. The monument beautifully honors Mexico’s independence heroes with elegance and detail. It’s especially stunning at sunset or when illuminated at night. A must-visit spot that captures the soul and history of Mexico City.

Iconic…known for being the heart of cdmx. Highly recommend you come check out the Angel. It is sometimes boarded up, but this last time I just went it was open to the public

Such a beautiful spot to take photos. I love taking photos of the Angel of Independence at night but I recommend taking photos of this spot during sunset or sunrise! It was not dangerous for me when I took photos very late at night but always make sure you are careful.

Enjoyed a lot my night walk to the Angel. This emblem of Mexican pride glows magnificently along Paseo de la Reforma. Illuminated by city lights, it creates a stunning contrast with the skyline and draws both locals and visitors to enjoy Mexico City’s vibrant evening atmosphere.

Yesterday I revisited El Ángel de la Independencia, but this time with curiosity and everything I thought I knew about the monument changed. I learned that the Ángel was sculpted by Enrique Alciati, an Italian-Mexican artist whose work gives the monument its classical European elegance. But what truly impressed me was discovering the meaning behind every figure that surrounds the column. Each of the four bronze sculptures at the base represents a fundamental pillar of Mexico’s identity at the time: Law, War, Justice, and Peace. They aren’t just ornaments they are the ideas that shaped the nation. Then there’s what almost nobody knows unless they’ve studied it: beneath the monument, hidden underwater for decades and later restored, lies a mausoleum holding the remains of the Héroes de la Independencia people like Miguel Hidalgo, Morelos, Guerrero, Aldama… Their remains rest directly under the angel itself. It transforms the monument from a symbol into an actual resting place of the history it represents. And the Ángel above, holding the laurel crown of victory and the broken chain of freedom, suddenly becomes more than a pretty statue. It becomes a message one that was meant to celebrate a new nation, but with time, evolved into a place where Mexicans gather to mourn, protest, celebrate, unite, or simply exist. A monument that started as a symbol of independence and has now become a mirror of modern Mexico. This visit taught me that the Ángel isn’t just a postcard image. It’s a story carved in stone, bronze, and memory a story you only understand when you look closely. If you come to Mexico City, take a moment to learn what each element represents. It makes the monument feel alive, and suddenly, Reforma isn’t just a boulevard… it becomes the pathway that connects past and present. A reminder that every long path, no matter how heavy the struggle, leads to its own kind of victory.

You can't go to the city and not visit the Angel de la Independencia. We stopped by at night and it wasn't too busy so perfect for pictures. We got dropped off across the street and so we had to risk it to cross over to where the Angel is located. Its a huge round a bout so the traffic never stops. You gotta put a little pep in your step.... We stopped by at night time and so it looked so pretty with the purple light. We also drove by during the day and it was just as pretty. We felt safe in the area.

It doesn't get any more iconic for Mexico than seeing the Angel de la Independencia. Sure, for some it may be a taco, pyramid, mariachi singing, or a shot glass of Tequila but the Angel de la Independencia is all of that and more. It's like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington memorial rolled into one. It's insanely huge and I happened upon it as I made my way to Museo Soumaya, which I highly recommend visiting in Mexico City. El Angel was built in 1910 during the presidency of Porfirio Diaz to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of Mexico's War of Independence. Years later it became a mausoleum for heroes o the Mexican Independence. You may recognize some of the names as many streets throughout towns and cities have the same names. Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Father Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon Ignacio Allende Juan Aldama Jose Mariano Jimenez Guadalupe Victoria Vicente Guerrero Nicolas Bravo Mariano Matamoros Andres Quintana Roo Leona Vicario Francisco Javier Mina Pedro Moreno Victor Rosales TIP 1: Yes, you may enter the monument, and view the plaques. TIP 2: Yes, you can climb to the top but... You'll need a permit. By the way, there are 200 steps to the top. I don't know where one can get a permit. TIP 3: The Angel of Independence is not accessible for those in wheelchairs. How to get there: Obviously, hitch a ride in an Uber and catch the Angel of Independence or Use the metro in Mexico City, it's easy and super affordable at 50 cents per ticket. The closest metro station is Insurgentes ( Pink Line ) Check it out as I will in more depth when I return to Mexico City hopefully soon.

This is a huge statue that was given to México for their independence as a country of their own. It's an interesting piece to see in the middle of Ciudad de México, and it's common to see girls taking their quinceañera photos here.

A beautiful historic Mexico landmark , As a tourist this is the spot where all the action happeneds Weather you are trying to grab a bite to eat, you have a ton of options Explore everything reforma Mexico has to offer Going bar hopping or clubbing you will walk a long distance and not notice it or get tired because of the amount of stuff there is too do here, Use Uber don't use a taxi Uber is cheaper Food delivery apps to use if you are in the area Rappi DiDi Uber eats

What a historical, beautiful, symbolic place... As The actual remains of the most important heroes of the war from independence are buried here in the mausoleum: Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla: Chief instigator of independence in 1810 and "Father of the Nation". Father José María Morelos y Pavón: Skilled general and leader of the independence movement after Hidalgo's execution. Ignacio Allende: Lieutenant general of the insurgent army and later rebel leader. Juan Aldama: A rebel captain and conspirator. José Mariano Jiménez: Hidalgo's lieutenant colonel. Guadalupe Victoria: Commander of the insurgent army and first President of Mexico. Vicente Guerrero: Insurgent general following the death of Morelos and second President of Mexico. Nicolás Bravo: Commander of the rebel army and later President of Mexico on three occasions. Mariano Matamoros: A priest who served as Morelos's lieutenant general. Andrés Quintana Roo: A prominent constitutionalist. Leona Vicario: Active supporter of the rebel movement and wife of Andrés Quintana Roo. Francisco Javier Mina (Xavier Mina): A Spanish officer who joined the rebel cause against the absolute monarchy of Ferdinand VII. Pedro Moreno: Insurgente Víctor Rosales: Insurgente It is a MUST visit place if you come to Mexico City!

Celebrating Mexico's independence from Spain... This Golden Angel is in the middle of a busy intersection. We dodged traffic to get closer to this landmark, and it was worth it! The fine details are amazing! There was a docent asking for $3 a person if we wanted more information, but we declined. The Angel of Independence in Mexico City overlooks a roundabout where cars circle until they get to their desired street. She is surrounded on four sides by female guardians of Law, Peace, Justice, and War. This golden Angel is so well known that she is the symbol for Mexico City and is currently one of the designs on a Starbucks mug! She was built in 1910, then built again after she fell during an earthquake. There is a mausoleum at the base and there is a staircase to go to the top, but we were just happy to see her, walk around her base, and take photos!

Beautiful and with rich history. It's worth a walk up to read about the honorees nice photo opps too

Great place for pictures! You will be glad you went! Safe and easy to get to. Lots of hotels and food close by.

The food was outstanding. The service is even better. Prices are reasonable and the ambience is incredible. So if you're in Mexico City, you can't miss this place. Super cool place to have dinner. Definitely will come back.

Probably the most famous statue in Madrid. El Ángel de la Independencia signifies the importance of México's independence. Located on a major boulevard and visited by many. Gorgeous!

Truly a symbol of modern Mexico! Inspired by Paris's July Column, the Angel of the Independence is the crowning jewel of the magnificent Paseo de la Reforma and the defining symbol of the modernizing Mexico along with Torre Latinoamericana. Topped by the golden statue of the Greek goddess Nike, the column is also the funerary monument to the Mexican independence heroes including Miguel Hidalgo, the priest who famously started the struggle for independence with "el Grito": Viva Mexico! No matter your purpose to visit DF is, this is a sight that must be beheld in person! See it shine in the glimmer of the sun during the day, or illuminated by light in the night. This monument is worth going out of your way to admire one of the greatest prides of Mexico City! --- Nearest metro station: Insurgente (Line 1)

I've wanted to climb the tower to the top for years. Supposedly, it's an arduous single-file hike up a very claustrophobic staircase for just a 15-minute timed visit. No matter, I was excited as I my taxi dropped me off. Depression set in quickly, though, as the guard said the stairway was closed and offered no explanation. As I stood looking up longingly at that golden angel above, I made a promise to myself that I will return on a future visit and risk that heart attack just to stand beneath the angel's feet.

This is a beautiful monument. There is good shopping nearby. The Angle is at the top of a tall monument in the center of a circle / round about. There are good areas for viewing and picture taking. I recommend renting a scooter or bicycle to see many beautiful nearby attractions. I don't ave much more to say about this location. Explore, explore, and explore some more!

Breath taking! The Angel of Independence is a huge representation of European culture in Mexico City. When you stay around or close to the center, you can admire its beauty from many angles. We stayed at the Sheraton reforma which is literally two blocks away from the landmark. You can experience the view and read about its background and era if you walk over to the monument. Spend time there taking selfies, and relax by looking at the city views, people watching, and traffic pass you by. We loved that Sunday morning the close around the monument to do zumba and bikers, joggers, and rollerbladers come out to exercise. They also bring their pets to enjoy the day.

Nothing like stopping to sit at the steps beneath the Angel of Independence to feel Mexico's power & Strength. A must stop if you're in CDMX.

This is the symbol of Mexico City! The Angel of Independence stands high above the Paseo de la Reforma, the major street of Mexico City. It rises high above the city, its gold shining brightly in the sunlight, or illuminated at night. It is a wonderful sight to see, welcoming the weary traveler to a majestic city. The statue sits high on a column looking out across the city with her wings spread in the most beautiful way. The column is in the center of a huge roundabout, where traffic buzzes by on one of the busiest streets in one of the world's major cities. However, on the island in the middle of the roundabout, it is a serene place to contemplate independence and freedom. Flowers are skillfully planted around the base of the island, which makes for a splendid sight to behold. The statue was built in 1910, and has withstood the test of time, to become the single most recognized landmark in the city. You can go into the base of the landmark, and see the markers dedicated to the Independence of Mexico. It's a darkened tunnel that winds around the base of the column. It's solemn. Sometimes, when the weather is nice, or when the guards feel up to it, you can apparently go to the top and look around. However, it wasn't open when we went. This is an incredible sight to behold in Mexico City, and a must see for any traveler.

Cool historical landmark, located in the center of a rotary. Be careful crossing the street to get to it. Word of mouth says it has survived earthquakes.

I think the angel looks best when it glimmers in the sunlight. But the city flashes cool colors upon the monument to commemorate various holidays and months at night. The hundreds of thousands of people marching past the angel for Gay Pride was quite a sight to behold

This is a beautiful historical statue of Mexico City. It's made out of real gold. People come and celebrate around this angel statue whenever Mexico wins a soccer game. This is one of the places you have to come see if you visit .

Beautiful monument to Mexican Independence. Also acts as a rally point for marches and demonstrations.

The Angel is an enduring landmark of Mexico City. She withstood the 8.1 magnitude earthquake in 1985. We stayed at the Sheraton Maria Isabel for a weekend, and she was our homeward angel for a couple days. I love that the upper deck is open for viewing, and that she is surrounded by neighborhoods of beautiful architecture and so close to Chalputepec Park.

This is THE monument in DF. It´s like if the Statue of Liberty was in the middle of the street, and not on an island. It´s not only a beautiful monument and symbol of the city, its also an important place for protests or demonstrations to take place. Personally, I like to stop by on Saturday afternoons, when all the girls celebrating their quinceneras come to take pictures. It is a total fashion show of over the top quince dresses - worth seeing! Of course, even on a normal day when nothing is going on, it is a beautiful and important monument not to be missed.