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Av. Paseo de la Reforma. Image by JavierDo –

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Av. Paseo de la Reforma

The avenue of Paseo de la Reforma is one of the most symbolic sites in the city of Mexico. The avenue is wide and runs across the city with an approximate length of 14.7 kilometers. If you stand in Chapultepec Castle, you will have a perfect view of the avenue.

When it was first constructed, it was referred to as the Paseo de la Emperatriz. The avenue came into existence in the Second Mexican Empire. Maximilian I, commissioned its construction, hence, its initial name. When Benito Juárez emerged Victorious, he renamed the avenue to Paseo Degollado.

This was done to honor Santos Degollado who fought for the rights of the Mexicans to deliver them from slavery. After the death of Juarez, Sebastian Lerdo’s government renamed it to the current name to honor the Reform process.  Several amazing facts surround av. Paseo de la Reforma.

1.  Av. Paseo de la Reforma provides grounds where celebrations and protests are held

Woman with a raised fist on the statue in Av. Paseo de la Reforma on International Women’s day. Image by TSolange –

Most locals who stay next to this region use this avenue during demonstrations and celebrations.  When they hold rallies, they move along the Paseo de la Reformer starting from the Angel of Independence. They end their demonstration journey at the main square of Mexico City, Zocalo.  

Sometimes, they may opt to travel from Zocalo to Los Pinos. Several parades often join these demonstrators in the Reformer. At the Angel of Independence, victories are celebrated. Individuals have considered this a traditional celebration ground.

For instance, when the national football team emerges victorious, celebrations are done in this place as they move along the avenue.

2. It is an ancient avenue full of life both during the Day and at Night

Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe at night. Image by Cathedrals and Churches/Cathedrals and Churches –

This is a location where most domestics believe the party never ends. It is operational on a 24/7 basis. There are several luxurious restaurants, offices, and hotels along this lane. It comprises some of the tallest buildings in the city. There are rooms for holding shows and exhibitions. This makes the city active all the time. This has made it a tourist attraction center with hundreds of thousands of visitors from several parts of the world each year flooding in.

3. It was constructed as part of the Reform program

Fountain in Paseo de la Reforma with Av. Juarez. Image by holachetumal –

After attaining independence, it was now time to modernize the city.  Maximilian, I initiated the construction of infrastructures to allow access to the Chapultepec Castle. This was meant to give the city a new look. There was a need to improve the communication and transport systems.

4. Ave. Paseo de La Reforma was meant for the personal use of the emperor

Sculpture made with a dry tree, at Av. Paseo de La Reforma. Image byFernando Ramírez –

Imagine a whole 14.7 kilometers of road being used by one person! At its initial stage, the avenue was known as Paseo de la Emperatriz. This honored Empress Carlota. It was meant for his personal use as he moved from the city center to Chapultepec Castle.  Later on, it became public. This led to the development of several buildings along the avenue. The design of the avenue was decided by Alois Bolland, who was an Australian mining engineer.

5. It was not constructed according to the plan

The photo cutout was taken at Paseo de la Reforma at the height of Av. Constituyentes street, on the overpass, to exit to City Santa Fe, in August 2014 in the Federal District, Mexico. Image by Sarumo74 –

The initial route of the construction was supposed to have six boulevards to radiate outward Zocalo. However, this meant that a large space was needed. The emperor was to displace lots of civilians to construct the avenue. A committee of prominent architects was called to decide on the plan. It included Ramon Rodriguez and Carl Gangolf. Their plan never worked since it demanded the demolition of lots of buildings in the city. Such had happened in the city of Â鶹APP, France, and they feared its consequences.

6. Av. Paseo de la Reforma was opened to the public in 1867

An old photograph of Mexico City is protected by the Photography Archive Museum (MAF) of Mexico City. Image by Gobierno CDMX –

The official opening of the Paseo to the public was done in 1867. This meant it no longer belonged to the emperor alone. Everyone else in the country was allowed to use the road. By the year 1970, three pedestrian medians had been constructed. Along the road, Eucalyptus and ash trees were planted.  Nevertheless, four monumental roundabouts were constructed. The renaming of the Paseo to La Reforma was done in 1872.

7. It was to include statues of heroes to commemorate the freedom fighters along the sides of the roads

Two-level unit of the Metrobús, Line 7 of Mexico City. Drive along Av. Paseo de la Reforma in the direction of La Villa. Image byXavinho236 –

Commemorating great figures in our communities is one of the most important things. They led to the attainment of self-rule, why not appreciate their efforts? The idea of building statues of these heroes along the avenue was opposed by some of the leaders. Instead, it was only done in the four roundabouts. Thus, it was a failure. The big question remains, why would they oppose art that would remind them of their struggles during the colonial period?

8. Its roundabouts hold statues of Mexican history and heroes

Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Puebla de Los Angeles) Col Centro, State of Puebla, Mexico. Image by Cathedrals and Churches/Cathedrals and Churches from Puebla de Los Angeles, Mexico –

How does it feel when you pass a roundabout and all you can see is your history and the great heroes who redeemed you from oppressors? The four roundabouts located in the junctions of the avenue comprise statues representing Mexican history. The first monument to be created was that of Christopher Columbus.

9. Av. Paseo de la Reforma is the main attraction in the city

Av. Paseo de la Reforma in front of the Museum of Anthropology and History, Mexico City. Image by CatmenGata –

The renewal and introduction of different structures along the avenue have created more attention from the public and tourists. The sidewalks are fitted with numerous artistic and cultural relics. For instance, a modern art museum was created, flowers were planted along the road, and fountains were created. All these have created beautiful scenery along the avenue that most souls admire.

10. It closed the gap between the rich and poor

Mexico City- Chedraui en Av Paseo de la Reforma on a typical weekend. Image by Thayne Tuason –

When the avenue was constructed, it linked business centers that allowed trade to take place between the upper- and lower-class people. Most people got the power to conduct transactions due to good infrastructure. There was significant economic development that led to the creation of jobs. Before the construction of this avenue, it was difficult for people from noble families to interact with those of the lower class.