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Top 10 Remarkable Facts about The Angel of Independence

The Angel of Independence is one of the most visited monuments in Mexico. It was built by Antonio Rivas Mercado in 1910 to commemorate the centennial of the war of Independence. The monument is located in Mexico City and it is difficult for those passing by to miss its glance.

Individuals from different parts of the country pay a visit to the monument each day. With special permission, they are even allowed to climb to its viewpoint which is forty-six meters high. There are numerous remarkable facts about the Angel of Independence that make it an outstanding figure in Mexico’s history.

1. The Angel of Independence is a mausoleum for heroes

This is one of the landmarks recognized by many people in Mexico. Some of the great heroes of the nation like Ignacio Allende, Augustin Iturbide, and Guadalupe Victoria were made to rest in this place.

In two of the rings of this monument, the names of eight heroes who were made to rest in the mausoleums are written. It is critical to remember the people who fought for our freedom.

2. The Angel of Independence is a symbol of Mexico’s free rule

photo by Jorge Láscar-

Nothing is more interesting than the freedom to rule yourself. The Angel of Independence reminds Mexicans of their Independence Day: the day the country got rid of the Spanish rulers who had introduced them to slavery.

It is a day worth remembering and every time one passes via Mexico City, seeing the monument reminds them of how great freedom can be in one’s life. Like many nations under colonization, Mexico suffered under the rule of Spain.

3. It is a focal point for protests and celebrations

photo by ProtoplasmaKid-

The Angel of Independence has become a ground where individuals hold celebrations after success. For instance, football teams come to hold their celebrations in this place after winning league titles. During civilian demonstrations, civilians visit this place. This makes it difficult for one to identify Mexico without the Angel of Independence.

4. The monument was almost not built

During the 1800s, several public bids were held as to whether to construct the Angel of Independence or not. Due to the government’s instability after attaining independence from Spain, deciding to construct a monument to remember the country’s victory was not easy.

Thus, there was no decision made. However, by 1843, the construction of Angel’s version started in the main plaza of the city. However, there were minimal funds to support its completion. Thus, it was abandoned.

In 1906, the construction started but was stopped midway due to the collapse of the monument. Due to earthquakes, the Angel of Independence has collapsed several times.

5. The Angel is a winged statue of Victoria

Photo by on

The Angel of Independence is a winged statue of the victory goddess of the ancient Romans (Victoria). This symbolizes the victory of the Mexicans. The goddess holds a three-link chain that is broken to symbolize the struggles the natives went through for three centuries under the rule of Spain.

The symbol of Victoria is used in several places in the world and is hard to note the uniqueness portrayed in the Angel of Independence. The use of the goddess provides a perfect meaning to the statue. It is a good symbol of the time the Mexicans rose and separated themselves from Spanish rule.

6. In 1957, the Angel of Independence got destroyed

The current Angel of Independence is just a copy of the original one. In 1957, there was an earthquake in the country that shook most of the grounds leading to the falling of the Angel of Independence. It broke into several pieces.

During the renovation, the interior staircase which was made of stone was replaced with a metal one. Victoria’s statue was replaced completely. Earthquakes in this region have affected this statue for some time leading to constant renovations.

7.  It offers a perfect place for taking photos

Image by spurekar-

Most people, especially visitors come to this place to take photos. For many, the place is seen as a selfie place. It has been turned into a photographic site and people from most parts of the world want to take pictures in front of the Angel of Independence. Most young people climb the 46m monument to take pictures that show the view of the city.

8. The Angel of Independence forms a great camping site in Mexico City

Most people who live in Mexico will tell you stories of how interesting camping is in this region. Each day, hundreds of parents park around this place to camp on the stairs that surround the Angel.

This is one of the most beautiful sites in the city where every person wants to take pictures with Mexico’s winged protector. For teenagers, it is a wonderful experience that helps them learn the history of the nation.

9. It is also a museum

Image by Salvador alc-

The Angel is not just a statue, but a museum that preserves the national heritage and culture. At the base of the statue, there is a museum that is constructed to honor the nation’s independence fighters.

Most people visiting the place often chose to go inside the museum to learn the history of the freedom fighters. Individuals often seek special permission to visit the place. Inside this museum, individuals learn about the different events that took place in varied timelines leading to self-governance.

10. The Angel of Independence in a learning site

Special groups like learning institutions visit the location for academic purposes. With the museum at its exposure, it provides a perfect place for learning Mexican history. Students get to pay academic tours to learn about colonization and the experiences that communities went through during the reign of Spain.

It is difficult to silence this place due to massive academic events that take place on the grounds each day. For instance, learning the symbols represented by each artistic feature used on the monument. Through understanding this, individuals get to understand the course that the nation took to attain self-rule.