Squares and Gardens

The countless trees of La Alameda Park rise like guardians for ancient stories of gallantry, drama, and progress. Around its fringes stand such noteworthy buildings as the Palace of Fine Arts, the Santa Veracruz plaza, and the Gallery of the Viceroyalty.

For those who like to dream a little, it is possible to view, close by, the mural by Diego Rivera dedicated to this park, while for those visitors who would like to attain a higher perspective on the city, the Latin America Tower stands by to offer magnificent panoramas from its lofty observation decks.

Right besides the Alameda, the Plaza de Mineria is surrounded by several of the city's most sumptuous buildings: the Mineria Palace, the former Ministry of Communications, which is today the National Museum of Art, and the Postal Palace.

Upon arriving at the Plaza de la Republica the visitor is greeted by a great open expanse with the austerely imposing Monument to the Revolution at its center, as well as several art deco style buildings, which surround the square.

In the Ciudadela there are inviting corners to study, to buy handicrafts or to just sit quietly in the shade and relax. A particularly beautiful spot can also be found here: the Carlos Pacheco plaza, which is a convenient site from which to venture into the Roma district, an interesting neighbourhood bursting with tradition and cultural activity.

In Mexican movies as in more personal moments of celebration, city dwellers always refer to the Plaza de Garibaldi as the best place in town where music, carousing and typical Mexican food can be heartily enjoyed until the late, late hours.

Coyoacan

Down a cobblestone street lined with stately mansions, the visitor enters this world of beautiful plazas, art galleries, restaurants and picturesque hustle and bustle. Its privileged location led to its eminence as a pre-Hispanic center founded on the shores of the ancient lake, seat of government during the reconstruction of Tenochtitlan and home to magnificent residences grouped around the 16th Century Franciscan cloister.

Coyoacan is part of Mexico City and involves residential areas as well as first quality services such as Plaza Coyoacan Shopping Centre, the Olympic pool, a Gym and an excellent park for trainers (Viveros). If you are a cinema lover Cineteca Nacional has four theatres devoted to a Mexican and international selection of films. Art in capital letters can be enjoyed at the National Arts Centre where Dance, Theatre and Classical Music have their contemporary homage.