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Plaza de la Constitución

plaza, Mexico City, Mexico
Also known as: Plaza Mayor, Zócalo

Quick Summary

The Plaza de la Constitución, also known as the Zócalo, is the largest public square in Latin America, located in the heart of Mexico City. This enormous, concrete-covered plaza is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral to the north, the National Palace to the east, and the Municipal Palace (city hall) to the south. A few blocks west stands the Torre Latinoamericana, a tall building offering panoramic city views when air pollution permits. The historic center of Mexico City, which includes the Zócalo, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. The plaza is a central hub for political, religious, and trade activities, reflecting the city's long history as a densely populated area and a crossroads for trade routes.123

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