Alameda Central — Attraction in Mexico City

Alameda Central is a historic and enchanting park located in the heart of Mexico City. With its lush greenery, beautiful fountains, and rich history, it has become a beloved gathering place for both locals and visitors.

Originally established in the 16th century, Alameda Central is one of the oldest parks in the Americas. Over the centuries, it has witnessed significant events and undergone various transformations, yet it has managed to retain its timeless charm. The park spans over 14 acres and offers a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city.

One of the highlights of Alameda Central is its impressive collection of statues and monuments. The most famous of these is the Hemiciclo a Juárez, a semicircular monument dedicated to the Mexican president Benito Juárez. This iconic structure serves as a tribute to one of Mexico's most influential historical figures and is a popular spot for photos and gatherings.

Alameda Central is also known for its beautiful fountains, including the Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Lions. These ornate and intricately designed fountains add a touch of elegance to the park and provide a soothing ambiance.

The park's pathways are lined with rows of trees, offering shade and serenity for those seeking a leisurely stroll. Benches are scattered throughout, inviting visitors to sit, relax, and take in the sights and sounds of the park.

Alameda Central has a rich cultural heritage and has been a gathering place for artists, intellectuals, and performers throughout history. It continues to be a vibrant center for cultural events, including art exhibitions, concerts, and festivals. The park's open-air theaters often showcase live performances, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.

Adjacent to Alameda Central, you'll find notable landmarks such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes and the historic downtown area. This proximity allows visitors to easily explore and experience more of Mexico City's cultural and architectural treasures.

The park's central location makes it easily accessible, attracting both locals and tourists alike. It's a popular spot for families, couples, and individuals looking to escape the city's hustle and find a moment of tranquility in nature's embrace.

In summary, Alameda Central is a picturesque and historically significant park in Mexico City. Its lush green spaces, captivating statues, and cultural events make it a beloved destination for both leisurely outings and cultural experiences. Whether you're looking to relax, appreciate art, or immerse yourself in the city's history, Alameda Central offers a delightful retreat in the heart of Mexico's...

The original park was less than half the size of the current one, reaching only from where the Palacio de Bellas Artes is now to the location of the Hemiciclo de Juárez. What is now the western section of the park originally was a plain plaza built during the Inquisition in Mexico and known as El Quemadero or The Burning Place. Here witches and others convicted by the Inquisitors were publicly burned at the stake. By the 1760s, the Inquisition had nearly come to an end and in 1770, viceroy Marqués de Croix had this plaza torn up to expand the park. The park was expanded again in 1791, when the Count of Revillagigedo built a wooden fence around the park to make it exclusive for the nobility. However, when Mexican Independence was won in 1821, the Alameda was the center of popular celebrations. In 1846, when President Santa Anna rode triumphantly into Mexico City, he ordered the fountains in the park be filled with alcohol.

The five classical fountains are of French design and inspired by Greco-Roman mythology. More statues were added to the park in the 19th century. Gas lamps were installed in 1868, which were replaced by electrical lighting 1892. By the end of the 19th century, the park had become popular with all social classes in Mexico. Much of the current layout of the park, with its starburst pattern of paths around fountains and the central kiosk dates from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

By the late 19th century, the park included a bandstand and gas (now electric) lamps. On the south side of the park, facing toward the street is the Hemiciclo a Juárez, which is a large white semi-circular monument to Benito Juárez, who is one of Mexico's most beloved presidents.

The park's statues include Désespoire and Malgré Tout, by Jesús Fructuoso Contreras, and a monument donated by the German community which is dedicated to Beethoven in commemoration of the centenary of his 9th Symphony.

In 2012, the park went through a rehabilitation which began in May and was completed in December. The renewal included replacing the damaged pavement with marble, the improvement of the vegetation (including the planting of new trees), new light posts, and improvement of existing park features (e.g. benches and the fountains). As part of the rehabilitation, the once ubiquitous street vendors are no longer allowed to operate...

NO SECURITY! NO SECURITY! I was a guest, not my choice, but the choice of the Intrepid Tour Company. The morning of March 20 I went to the secure buffet breakfast provided by your hotel for your hotel guests only. The 2 girls providing security for entrance to the Buffet Breakfast for guests only required me to provide name, room number, and plastic room access key, twice. I went to get coffee and on my return I noted my day backpack opened and my new $900 Panasonic camera stolen. I was in a frenzy and approached the 2 girls responsible for securing the buffet breakfast area for guests only so nobody could steal the eggs. They were not helpful and seemed to not understand English. I approached the 2 girls at the reception desk. Again, they could not understand English. About a week later while still on tour, the tour leader received the security footage of the theft. Nothing further was done. I do not know if the criminal was a guest, if the 2 girls providing security for the eggs on the breakfast buffet failed to check everyone who enters this secure area, or if this was an inside job, Please put the security video footage of the theft on your website as a marketing tool for your hotel. I also recommend you replace the girls with artificial intelligence of a guest card reader and gate allowing entrance to the breakfast buffet area for guests only. I lost the camera, ruined the remaining days on my tour, but retain the dark memories of my experience at Alameda...