From the Top

It has been a long time since I have been to the top of the Latin American Tower, a 44 story skyscraper in the heart of Mexico City.  When it was completed in 1956, it was the tallest building in all of Latin America.  The structure was notable for its pioneering engineering techniques which have made it able to withstand major earthquakes without damage.  Although numerous skyscrapers in the city have surpassed the Latin American Tower in height, its observation deck, the highest in the city, remains a popular destination for visitors.

Our friends Al and Stew had never been to the top of the tower, so when they were here in Mexico City for a visit we went up to the top for the view of the sprawling city.  Even though it's the dry season, we had a heavy downpour the night before.  I thought that the rain might clear the air, but unfortunately the smog was heavy.  Nevertheless, the view is impressive.  I pointed out the major landmarks to them, and it helped them get their bearings in this mammoth metropolis.

Looking to the south, you can see one of the city's major thoroughfares, Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas.  When I first came to Mexico as a student more than fifty years ago, I remember that this avenue was named San Juan de Letrán.  It was later renamed in honor of one of Mexico's Presidents.  It is also known as the "Eje Central" (Central Axis).  Major arterial routes throughout the city are referred to as "ejes", and Lázaro Cárdenas cuts through much of the center of the city in a north - south direction.

Still looking to the south, can you make out through the smog the vague outline on the horizon of the World Trade Center which is located close to the apartment?

Looking to the west, the green expanse of the Alameda Park is below us.  In the upper left hand corner are the buildings which line the Paseo de la Reforma.

Next to the Alameda, directly below us, is the Palace of Fine Arts.  Notice the shadow of the Latin American Tower cast across the "Eje Central".

Looking to the north there are a number of notable buildings...  A. the original headquarters of the Bank of Mexico   B. the main post office, an ornate building known as the "Palacio Postal"   C. the National Museum of Art   D.  the Palace of Mining, a neoclassical building which originally housed the colonial school of mining and which is now owned by the engineering department of the National University.

Looking to the east, pedestrianized Madero Street cuts through the heart of the city´s historic center.

Madero Street empties into the Zócalo, the city's main plaza.  Facing the plaza are A) the National Palace and B) the Metropolitan Cathedral.  You can also see the enormous Mexican flag which flies over the Zócalo.

If it were a very clear day, the volcanoes would be out there to the east.