The Zócalo: once the centre of Aztec society, now the heart of Mexico City. The enormous square is where residents of this metropolis gather for cultural activities, celebrations and demonstrations. In the evening the square is a lovely place for a stroll or to enjoy a typical Mexican burrito for the cost of less than 1 euro.
The official name of the square is actually Plaza de la Constitución. Its nickname Zócalo, which means 'pedestal' or 'base', emerged in the 19th century. The original plan to build a huge independence monument on the square had faltered, and the pedestal, which had already been built, was left standing by lonely and forlorn. Measuring 57,600 square metres, the Zócalo is one of the world's largest squares.