Ok so looking at my pictures in my vault of memories found some that needs to be shown in my blog, for the memories, souvenirs, nice times spent with good friends over the years. This is Mexico City , DF distrito federal and I am glad was here!
While doing my road warrior runs of Mexico City I passed by several nice monuments that with press time could not go in or closer but nevertheless saw them and need to be in my blog. I like to tell you a bit more of the sights of Mexico City!
The Monumento a los Niños Héroes or Monument to the Boy Heroes, officially Altar a la Patria or Altar to the Homeland, is a monument commemorating the Niños Héroes or boys heroes, installed in Chapultepec park. The six cadets are honored by an imposing monument made of Carrara marble at the entrance to Chapultepec Park. This semicircular monument with six columns, placed at what was the end of the Paseo de la Reforma, a major thoroughfare leading from the central square ,the Zócalo to Chapultepec park. It contains a niche in each of its columns with an urn holding the remains of one of the cadets . In addition, the remains of Colonel Felipe Santiago Xicoténcatl (a colonel in the Mexican Army under president Antonio López de Santa Anna. It is said that Lt. Col. Xicoténcatl in the battle of Chapultepec, refusing the idea of letting the American forces capture the Mexican flag identifying his battalion and severely wounded, wrapped himself with the flag and died beside his men.) were placed in the center of the monument below the main statue. The monument is dedicated to the combatants against the United States invasion with the phrase: “To the Defenders of the Fatherland 1846-1847”. The monument’s official name is Altar a la Patria (Altar to the Homeland), but it is better known as the Monumento a los Niños Héroes (Monument to the Boy Heroes) and many official texts use the popular name instead of the official name.
The Iglesia Carmelitas Descalzas or Church of Barefooted Carmelites was built by Fray Andrés de San Miguel between 1615 and 1626, who belonged to the order of the barefoot Carmelites, a legion that sought to recover the austerity and devotion that gave rise to the brotherhood. The construction included a college and monastery for men. After the 1858 reform in which the nationalization of the church’s assets was decreed, the college was closed and its custody passed to the city of Mexico. A part of these lands were used as jail, barracks and other functions. As of July 7, 1921, the Ministry of Public Education decreed that the former convent was the Museum of El Carmen, the temple continues to be a church.
More info in Spanish on the barefoot carmelites in Mexico here: https://www.ocd.org.mx/archivo-historico
The Palacio de Bellas Artes or Palace of Fine Arts is considered the most important in the manifestation of the arts in Mexico and one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. This has been the scene and witness of shocking artistic, social and political events. Its construction began on the occasion of the celebration of the centenary of the beginning of the Independence of Mexico, however it was concluded and inaugurated until November 29, 1934 due to the Mexican Revolution. It is a multifunctional building, so it houses various stages and artistic spaces such as the Palace of Fine Arts Museum and the National Museum of Architecture. The first permanently exhibits 17 mural works by seven national artists executed from 1928 to 1963, including Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros and José Clemente Orozco, being the oldest in the country dedicated to national plastic production. Likewise, it is the headquarters of the National Symphony Orchestra, the National Opera Company or Fine Arts Opera, the National Dance Company and the Folkloric Ballet of Mexico.. As an institution, it depends on the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA), part of the Ministry of Culture of the federal government of Mexico.
This was the closest to visit as a local friend had ticket to see a performance by Mexican star Thalia here ,but last minute needs did not allow me to come in. Nevertheless, the story stays as an anecdote of my visits to Mexico City. Metro station Bellas Artes on lines 2 and 8 Open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10h to 17h. It is located at Avenida Juàrez just off Paseo de la Reforma. More info here: http://museopalaciodebellasartes.gob.mx/
Now I feel better, another nice monuments with nice memories of my visits to wonderful Mexico City. Always looking forward to be back into normal times. Hope you enjoy the post , to seek off the beaten paths sights of Mexico City.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all!!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 