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{{Short description|Victory column and statue in Mexico City}}

'''''El Ángel de la Independencia''''' ("The Angel of Independence"), most commonly known by the

{{Redirect|El Ángel}}

shortened name '''''El Ángel''''' and officially known as '''''Columna de la Independencia''''', is a [[victory column]] located on a [[roundabout]] over [[Paseo de la Reforma]] in downtown [[Mexico City]].

{{Infobox historic site

| name = The Monument of Independence

| native_name = Monumento a la Independencia, Ángel de la Independencia

| native_language = Spanish

| image = Angel de la independencia170409.jpg

| caption =

| ___location = [[Mexico City]], [[Mexico]]

| coordinates = {{coord|19|25|37.1994|N|99|10|03.7554|W|display=inline,title}}

| mapframe = yes

| mapframe-zoom = 14

| mapframe-caption = Location in Mexico City

| area =

| elevation = {{convert|45|m|ft}}

| architect = [[Antonio Rivas Mercado]]<br />[[Gonzalo Garita]]<br />[[Manuel Gorozpe]]<br />[[Enrique Alciati]] (sculptures)

| architecture = [[Corinthian order|Corinthian column]]<br />[[Victory column]]

| beginning_label = Inaugurated by

| beginning_date = [[Porfirio Díaz]]

| built = September 16, 1910

| built_for = [[century|Centenary]] of [[Mexican War of Independence|Mexican Independence]]

| restored = September 16, 1958

| restored_by = [[José Fernández Urbina]]

| visitation_num =

| visitation_year =

| governing_body = [[Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia]]

}}

'''The Angel of Independence''', most commonly known by the shortened name '''''El Ángel''''' and officially known as '''''Monumento a la Independencia''''' ("Monument to Independence"), is a [[victory column]] on a [[roundabout]] on the major thoroughfare of [[Paseo de la Reforma]] in downtown [[Mexico City]].

''El Ángel'' was built to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of [[Mexico]]'s [[Mexican War of Independence|War of Independence]], celebrated in [[1910]]. In later years it was made into a mausoleum for the most important heroes of that war. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Mexico City, and it has become a focal point for both celebration or protest. It bears a resemblance to the [[Berlin victory column|Victory Column]] in [[Berlin]].

''El Ángel'' was built in 1910 during the presidency of [[Porfirio Díaz]] by architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, to commemorate the [[centennial]] of the beginning of [[Mexico]]'s [[Mexican War of Independence|War of Independence]]. In later years it was made into a mausoleum for the most important heroes of that war. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Mexico City, and it has become a focal point for both celebration and protest. It resembles the [[July Column]] in [[Paris]], [[Nelson's Column]] in [[London]], the [[Victory Column (Berlin)|Victory Column]] in [[Berlin]] and the [[Columbus Monument (New York City)|Columbus Monument]] in [[New York City]].

==Description==

[[Image:Victoria Alada de la Columna de la Independencia 01.jpg|thumb|left|[[Nike (mythology)|Nike]] on column top]]<!-- Victory is ALWAYS winged -->

[[Image:Ángel.JPG|thumb|150px|left|The Winged Victory]]

The base of the column is quadrangular with each vertex featuring a [[bronze]] sculpture symbolizing [[Lawlaw]], [[Warwar]], [[Justicejustice]] and [[Peacepeace]]. Originally there were, nine steps leadingled to the base, but due to the sinking of the ground, an ongoing problem in Mexico City, fourteen more steps morehave werebeen added.<ref>{{cite web |title=El Ángel - Monumento a la Independencia, Paseo de la Reforma |url=https://mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx/venues/el-angel-independencia/ |website=Mexico City |publisher=Agencia Digital de Innovación Pública |access-date=12 September 2024}}</ref>

On the main face of the base, which facesfacing downtown Mexico City, there is an inscription readingreads ''La Nación a los Héroes de la Independencia'' ("The Nation to the Heroes of Independence"). In front of this inscription is a bronze statue of a giant, laureled lion ledthat byguides a child, representingwhich strengthsymbolizes, andaccording to Rivas Mercado, "the innocenceMexican ofpeople, youthstrong during Warwar butand docilitydocile during Peacepeace."<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Zorrilla|first=Begoña|date=August 2010|title=El Ángel de Independencia|journal=Mexicanísimo|volume=30|pages=53}}</ref>

Next to the column there is a group of [[marble]] statues of some of the heroes of the [[Mexican War of Independence|War of Independence]]. The column itself is {{convert|36 meters|m|ft}} high. The structure is made of [[steel]] covered with quarried stone decorated with garlands, palms and rings with the names of Independence figures. Inside the column is a two-hundred step staircase whichthat leads to a viewpoint above the [[capital (architecture)|capital]]. The [[corinthian order|Corinthian]]-style capital is adorned by four eagles with extended wings from the [[Mexican coat of arms]] used at the time.

Crowning the column is a {{convert|6.7|m|ft}} statue by [[Enrique Alciati]] of [[Nike (mythology)|Nike]], the [[Greek mythology|Greek]] [[goddess]] of [[Winged Victory of Samothrace|Victory]]. Like other similar victory columns around the world, it is made of bronze covered with 24[[Carat (purity)|k]] [[gold]] (restored in 2006), and weighs seven tons. In her right hand the Angel, as it is commonly known, holds a [[Bay laurel|laurel]] crown symbolically above both [[Miguel Hidalgo]]'s head and the nation below, symbolizing Victory, while in her left she holds a broken chain with three links, symbolizing Freedom from three centuries of Spanish ___domain.

[[Image:Angel_independencia_leon_infante.jpg|thumb|150px|right|The Lion led by the Child]]

Crowning the column there is the sculpture that gives the name to the monument. The 6.7 meter statue by [[Enrique Alciati]] represents the [[Winged Victory of Samothrace|Winged Victory]]. It is made of bronze, covered with [[gold]] and weighs 7 tons. In her right hand the Angel holds a [[Bay laurel|laurel]] crown, symbolizing Victory, while in her left she holds a broken chain, symbolizing Freedom.

==History==

[[File:Centenario9_columna_inauguracion.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Inauguration of the Independence Monument, 1910]]

Construction of ''El Ángel'' was ordered in [[1902]] by [[President of Mexico|President]] [[Porfirio Díaz]]. Architect [[Antonio Rivas Mercado]] was in charge of the design of the monument, while the actual construction was supervised by Mexican engineers Gonzalo Garita and Manuel Gorozpe. All the sculptures were by [[Italy|Italian]] artist [[Enrique Alciati]]. The monument was ready for the festivities to commemorate the first hundred years of [[Mexican War of Independence|Mexican Independence]] in [[1910]]. The opening ceremony was attended by President Díaz and several foreign dignitaries. The main speaker at the event was Mexican [[poet]] [[Salvador Díaz Mirón]].

[[File:009520-003 DAÑOS DEL SISMO DEL DÍA 28 JULIO 29 1957 (30953952424).jpg|thumb|The sculpture of the monument, having fallen after the 1957 Mexico earthquake.]]

Construction of the column of independence topped by a depiction of winged victory was ordered in 1900 by [[President of Mexico|President]] [[Porfirio Díaz]]. Antonio Rivas Mercado began to design the monument, envisioned as a column with both classical and modern elements, with bronze statues at its base. The foundation stone was laid on January 2, 1902.<ref>Díaz Flores Alatorre, Manuel. ''Recuerdo del Primer Centenario de la Independencia Nacional: Efemérides de las fiestas, recepciones, actos políticos, inauguraciones de monumentos, y de edificios, etc.''. Mexico City: Rondero y Treppiedi 1910, n.p.</ref>

Placed in it was a gold chest with a record of independence and a series of coins minted in that epoch. But in May 1906, when the foundations were built and 2,400 stones placed to a height of 25 m, the sides of the monument collapsed, so Díaz created a study commission composed of engineers Guillermo Beltrán y Puga, Manuel Marroquín y Rivera, and Gonzalo Garita. The commission determined that the foundations of the monument were poorly planned, so it was decided to demolish the structure. The work was restarted under the supervision of a [[steering committee]] composed of engineers Beltran y Puga, Marroquin y Rivera and the architect Manuel Gorozpe, leaving the artwork in the care of architect [[Antonio Rivas Mercado]]. All the sculptures were made by [[Italy|Italian]] artist [[Enrique Alciati]]. One of the faces in the doors is of one of Rivas Mercado's daughter, Antonieta.{{citation needed|date=May 2019}}

In [[1925]] the remains of the following heroes of the Mexican Independence were interred in a [[mausoleum]] at the base of the monument:

The monument was completed in time for the festivities to commemorate the first hundred years of [[Mexican War of Independence|Mexican Independence]] in 1910. The inauguration was held on 16 September, the 100th anniversary of the ''[[Grito de Dolores]]'' (the battle cry by Father [[Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla|Miguel Hidalgo]] that was considered the initiation of Mexican independence). The ceremony was attended by President Díaz and many foreign dignitaries. Some 10,000 Mexican soldiers and contingents of foreign military forces helped mark the occasion.<ref>Díaz Flores Alatorre, Manuel. ''Recuerdo del Primer Centenario de la Independencia Nacional: Efemérides de las fiestas, recepciones, actos políticos, inauguraciones de monumentos, y de edificios, etc.''. Mexico City: Rondero y Treppiedi 1910.</ref> The main speaker at the event was Mexican [[poet]] [[Salvador Díaz Mirón]].

*[[Juan Aldama]]: A rebel [[captain]] and conspirator.

An [[eternal flame]] (''Lámpara Votiva'') honoring these independence heroes was installed in the base of the column at the order of President [[Emilio Portes Gil]] in 1929.

The monument suffered some damage during an [[1957 Guerrero earthquake|earthquake on July 28, 1957]], when the sculpture of the Winged Victory fell to the ground and broke into several pieces. Sculptor [[José Fernández Urbina]] was in charge of the restoration, which lasted more than a year. The monument was reopened on September 16, 1958. It survived the [[1985 Mexico City earthquake|devastating earthquake]] of September 19, 1985, with some damage to the staircases and the reliefs, but none to the ''Angel''.

[[File:Detalle del Monumento a la Independencia con las pintas realizadas durante la marcha del 16 de agosto 2019 - 32.jpg|thumb|The monument after the August 2019 demonstrations|right]]

On August 16, 2019, following feminist demonstrations against gender-based violence and feminicides, the monument was affected due to acts of vandalism and graffiti. The Government of Mexico City closed access for an indefinite period; but it is estimated that it could be between one and two years.

However, the capital government declared justifying that the closure is due to the restoration, within the framework of a work program in Paseo de la Reforma that involves several more monuments. The restorations concluded in October 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://noticieros.televisa.com/videos/reabren-el-angel-de-independencia-al-publico/|title=Reabren el Ángel de Independencia al público|first=Denise|last=Maerker|author-link=Denise Maerker|work=[[Noticieros Televisa]]|language=es|date=7 October 2021|access-date=10 October 2021}}</ref>

==Mausoleum==

[[File:Monumento a la Independencia, México D.F., México, 2014-10-13, DD 24.JPG|thumbnail|The monument lit at night with color changing LED light.]]

[[Image:Angel de la Independencia Mexico City.jpg|right|thumb|The Independence Angel on the [[Paseo de la Reforma]], at sunset.]]

In 1925, during the administration of [[Plutarco Elías Calles]], the remains of the following Heroes of the Mexican Independence were interred in a [[mausoleum]] under the base of the monument. At the entry to the mausoleum is a statue of [[William Lamport]], also known as Don Guillén de Lampart y Guzmán, an Irishman who was tried by the [[Mexican Inquisition]] in the mid seventeenth century, following the discovery of his plot to achieve the independence of [[New Spain]]. He was released by the inquisition to secular authorities and executed in the [[auto de fe]] of 1659, with his remains forbidden burial in sacred ground.

The actual remains of insurgents are buried in the mausoleum:

*Father [[Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla]]: Chief instigator of independence in 1810 and "[[Father of the Nation]]".

*Father [[José María Morelos|José María Morelos y Pavón]]: Skilled general and leader of the independence movement after Hidalgo's execution.

*[[Ignacio Allende]]: [[Lieutenant general]] of the insurgent army and later rebel leader.

*[[NicolásJuan BravoAldama]]: Commander of theA rebel army and later [[Presidentcaptain of(land Mexicoand air)|captain]] on threeand occasionsconspirator.

*[[Vicente Guerrero]]: Insurgent [[general]] following the death of Morelos and second President of Mexico.

*[[Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla]]: Chief instigator of the Revolution and "[[Father of the Nation]]".

*[[José Mariano Jiménez]]: Hidalgo's [[lieutenant colonel]].

*[[Guadalupe Victoria]]: Commander of the insurgent army and first [[President of Mexico]].

*[[Mariano Matamoros]]: A [[priest]] who served as Morelos' [[lieutenant general]].

*[[Vicente Guerrero]]: Insurgent [[general]] following the death of Morelos and second President of Mexico.

*[[Francisco Javier Mina]]: A Spanish officer who joined the rebel cause against the [[absolute monarchy]] of [[Ferdinand VII of Spain|Ferdinand VII]].

*[[Nicolás Bravo]]: Commander of the rebel army and later President of Mexico on three occasions.

*[[José María Morelos|José María Morelos y Pavón]]: Skilled general and leader of the independence movement after Hidalgo's execution.

*[[Mariano Matamoros]]: A [[priest]] who served as Morelos's [[lieutenant general]].

*[[Andrés Quintana Roo]]: A prominent constitutionalist.

*[[Leona Vicario]]: WifeActive supporter of Andrésthe Quintanarebel Roomovement and active supporterwife of theAndrés rebelQuintana movementRoo.

*[[Francisco Javier Mina]] (Xavier Mina): A Spanish officer who joined the rebel cause against the [[absolute monarchy]] of [[Ferdinand VII of Spain|Ferdinand VII]].

*[[Guadalupe Victoria]]: Commander of the insurgent army and first President of Mexico.

*[[Pedro Moreno (soldier)|Pedro Moreno]]: Insurgente

[[Image:Angel of Independence.jpg|thumb|200px|right|''El Ángel'' at sunset.'']]

*[[Víctor Rosales]]: Insurgente

An [[eternal flame]] ''(Lámpara Votiva)'' honoring these heroes was installed in the base of the column at the order of President [[Emilio Portes Gil]] in [[1929]].

Absent from the mausoleum is [[Agustín de Iturbide]], who achieved Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821; his remains are in the [[Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City]]. President Calles excluded Iturbide when other insurgents' remains were transferred to the mausoleum in 1925.<ref>Thomas Benjamin, ''La Revolución: Mexico's Great Revolution as Memory, Myth, and History''. Austin: University of Texas Press 2000, pp. 184-85, footnote 30.</ref>

The monument suffered some damage during an earthquake on [[July 28]], [[1957]] when the sculpture of the Winged Victory fell to the ground and broke into several pieces; jokes were immediately coined about the "[[fallen angel]]". Sculptor [[José Fernández Urbina]] was in charge of the restoration, which lasted more than a year. The monument was reopened on [[September 16]], [[1958]]. It survived, undamaged, the [[1985 Mexico City earthquake|devastating earthquake]] of [[September 19]], [[1985]].

More than 60 years after the mausoleum was erected, on September 16, 1998, it was permanently opened to the public by [[President of Mexico|President]] [[Ernesto Zedillo]] and [[Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas]], [[Head of Government of the Federal District]].

More recently ''El Ángel'' has become the traditional gathering place for celebration amongst Mexico City inhabitants, particularly following [[Football (soccer)|football]] victories and as a focal point for political rallies.

On May 30, 2010, as part of the Bicentennial celebrations of the War of Independence, the remains of the National Heroes were [[Exhumation|exhumed]] and then escorted by the [[Mexican Armed Forces|Armed Forces]] with full [[Military funeral|military honors]] to the [[Museo Nacional de Historia|National History Museum]] in [[Chapultepec Castle]], where they were subject of studies by members of the [[Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia|National Institute of Anthropology and History]]. After these studies, the remains were temporarily exhibited at the [[National Palace (Mexico)|National Palace]] until August 2011, when they were returned to the mausoleum.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Trasladan restos de héroes a Chapultepec|url=http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/684129.html|publisher=[[El Universal (Mexico City)|El Universal]]|access-date=30 May 2010|language=es}}</ref>

== References ==

*{{cite book | author=Baird, David; & Bairstow, Lynne | title=Frommer's Mexico 2005 | publisher=Wiley Publishing, Inc | year=2004| id=ISBN 0764567632}}

*Legorreta, Jorge (Sep. 18, 2002). [http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2002/sep02/020918/02an1cul.php?origen=cultura.html "Tres figuras aladas erigidas a la libertad"]. ''La Jornada.'' In Spanish

*{{cite book | author=Loaeza, Guadalupe | title=El Ángel de nuestras nostalgias | publisher=Plaza y Janés | year=1998| id=ISBN 9681103149}} In Spanish

== See also Visiting==

[[Image:Angel independencia leon infante.jpg|thumb|right|''The Lion led by the Child'']]

Visitors may enter the monument, view the memorial plaques at the base level, and climb to the top of the tower. While entry is free, visitors must obtain a permit at the Cuauhtémoc borough by showing an ID.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/mexico-city/things-to-do/angel-de-la-independencia|website=www.timeout.com|title=Time Out|last=Saavedra|first=Enrique|access-date=2024-04-19}}</ref> Groups of no more than six people are permitted inside the monument for about 15 minutes.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ángel de la Independencia in Mexico City - See the Iconic Victory Column|url=https://www.hotels.com/go/mexico/angel-de-la-independencia-mexico-city|website=www.hotels.com|access-date=2024-04-19}}</ref> With about 200 steps,<ref>{{cite web|title=Angel of Independence (Monumento a la Independencia) - Free admission|url=https://www.viator.com/Mexico-City-attractions/Angel-of-Independence-Monumento-a-la-Independencia/overview/d628-a20354|website=www.viator.com|access-date=2024-04-19}}</ref> the climb is arduous. The first approximately 15 stairs, located in the monument the base, are wide and comfortable. The stairs in the column itself, approximately 185, are circular, metal, very narrow and without a landing or resting point until the top. Visitors who are not in good physical shape will find the climb exhausting—it is the equivalent of climbing a 14-story building in one go, and those not comfortable in tight spaces should avoid the climb as it has insufficient room to allow others to bypass. Some staircase areas are very dark, with only a few slits to let in light. The top balcony, though narrow, offers a commanding view<ref>{{cite web|title=El Angel de la Independencia, Mexico City|url=https://guanajuatomexicocity.com/mexico-city/El-Angel-Independencia-Mexico-City.html|website=guanajuatomexicocity.com|access-date=2024-04-19}}</ref> of the wide avenues that surround the column. The return trip down is by way of the same circular staircase.

More recently ''El Ángel'' has become the traditional gathering place for celebration by Mexico City inhabitants, particularly following [[Mexico national football team]] victories and as a focal point for political rallies.<ref>{{cite web|title=El Ángel – Monument to Independence|url=https://mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx/venues/el-angel-independencia/|website=mexicocity.cdmx.gob.mx|access-date=2024-04-19}}</ref>

As of March 2016, visiting inside is limited to Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

==See also==

*''[[Angel of Peace]]'', [[Prinzregentenstrasse]], Munich

*''[[La Victoria del Viento]]''

*[[Berlin Victory Column]]

*[[Independence Monument, Kyiv]]

*[[Mexican War of Independence]]

*[[Porfirio Díaz]]

*[[Porfiriato]]

*[[Berlin victory column]]

==References==

== External links ==

{{Reflist}}

* [http://www.guije.com/public/carteles/3837/angel/index.html] Article from the defunct [[Cuba]]n magazine ''Carteles'' featuring photographs of the monument after the 1957 earthquake. In Spanish.

* [http://www.brucehermanphotography.com/colonial/bh22.html] Picture of el Ángel at sunset.

==Further reading==

[[Category:1910 in Mexico|Angel, El]]

*{{Cite book |author1=Baird, David |author2=Bairstow, Lynne |title=Frommer's Mexico 2005 |publisher=Wiley Publishing, Inc |year=2004 |isbn=0764567632 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/frommersmexico2000bair }}

[[Category:Buildings and structures in Mexico City|Angel, El]]

*Legorreta, Jorge (Sep. 18, 2002). [http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2002/sep02/020918/02an1cul.php?origen=cultura.html "Tres figuras aladas erigidas a la libertad"]. ''La Jornada.'' In Spanish

[[Category:Porfiriato|Angel, El]]

*{{Cite book| author=Loaeza, Guadalupe | title=El Ángel de nuestras nostalgias | publisher=Plaza y Janés | year=1998| isbn=9681103149}} In Spanish

[[Category:Landmarks in Mexico City]]

*{{Cite book| author=Blair, Kathryn Skidmore | title=In The Shadow of The Angel | publisher=First Books | year=2001| isbn=0759606315}}

[[Category:Monumental columns]]

==External links==

[[de:El Ángel de la Independencia]]

[[es:{{Commons category|Monumento a la Independencia (Ciudad de México)]]|Monumento a la Independencia}}

* [http://www.guije.com/public/carteles/3837/angel/index.html Article from the defunct Cuban magazine ''Carteles'' featuring photographs of the monument after the 1957 earthquake] {{In lang|es}}

[[nl:Ángel de la Independencia]]

* [https://web.archive.org/web/20020710211009/http://www.brucehermanphotography.com/colonial/bh22.html Picture of ''el Ángel'' at sunset.]

{{Paseo de la Reforma}}

{{Public art in Mexico City}}

{{Sculptures of Nike}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1910 establishments in Mexico]]

[[Category:Buildings and structures completed in 1910]]

[[Category:Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City]]

[[Category:Monumental columns]]

[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Mexico City]]

[[Category:National symbols of Mexico]]

[[Category:Outdoor sculptures in Mexico City]]

[[Category:Paseo de la Reforma]]

[[Category:Sculptures of angels]]

[[Category:Sculptures of lions]]

[[Category:Statues in Mexico City]]

[[Category:Terminating vistas]]

[[Category:Vandalized works of art in Mexico]]

[[Category:Roundabouts and traffic circles in Mexico]]

[[Category:Sculptures of Nike]]