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Torre Latinoamericana

The Torre Latinoamericana is the most popular viewing platform of the few there are in Mexico City. It’s a favorite destination for visitors from abroad, and you’re just as likely to meet longtime residents on your way up.

At 44 stories, the skycraper stands at 166 meters in height and extends some distance into the lakebed and bedrock beneath the city.  It was the tallest building in the city from 1956 until 1982 when the Pemex Tower opened.

It’s famous worldwide as the first skyscraper successfully built in a highly active seismic zone.

Current occupants include the Museo del Bicentenario, the Miralto restaurant, a permanent and temporary exhibition space, a café and the most famous viewing platform in the city.

Quick facts on the Building

  • Architect Augusto H. Álvarez began construction in 1949.
  • It took 8 years to finish the building.
  • The tower occupies space once home to Moctezuma II’s menagerie of animals, believed to have been a zoo.
  • Later the San Francisco Monastery occupied the site until the Reformation in the 19th century.
  • La Latinoamericana, Seguros, S.A. was an insurance company for which the building is still named today. The insurances offices were in a smaller building at the same location, but the same company still occupies and co-owns parts of the building.
  • The building stands on 361 specially designed piles driven depth of 33 m beneath the tower.
  • The building is said to float on an underground foundation, regardless of the support provided by the piles.
  • When completed it was the 45th tallest building in the world and the tallest in Latin America.
  • The Torre Latinoamericana includes 28,000 square meters of office space.
  • As a historic monument, the appearance of the building façade cannot be altered.

 

Construction began in 1948 and concluded in 1956. The architectural style is "functional," with 44 floors, an observation deck, and a restaurant. Unparalleled views of the city from the 182-meter high tower are the main attraction of the building, which has survived several earthquakes in impeccable condition. It was the tallest building in the capital until 1972 when the World Trade Center was completed.  

Heart of México Walking Route:  Alameda Central - Madero

<< Palacio de Bellas Artes | Atrio y Templo de San Francisco >>

Proyecto “Corredor de Cultura Digital”.

Nombre de la investigación: Investigación Centro Histórico, Monumentos, Edificios y Puntos de Interés (2023)

Dirección de investigación y diseño de Rutas: Acércate al Centro A.C. Guadalupe Gómez Collada

Coordinación e investigación histórica: Fideicomiso del Centro histórico Dir. Maestra Loredana Montes

How to get here

Nearby

Museo Bicentenario

Nearest at 0.00 kms.

Edificio Guardiola

Nearest at 0.03 kms.

Centro Cultural El Rule

Nearest at 0.04 kms.

Related

Iturbide Palace

Among the strongest places to see historical and colonial period art works . . .

Palacio de Bellas Artes

Bellas Artes has long been an iconic symbol of Mexico City's culture and performing arts.

Corpus Christi Temple

One of Pedro de Arrieta's most lasting contributions to the look and feel of the City.

San Francisco Temple & Monastery

One of the oldest places on today's calle Madero, the temple is only accessible through a remaining side chapel.

Estanquillo Museum/Esmeralda Building

One of the most eclectic of museums, at home in one of the most dynamic of late 19th century buildings.

Practical guides and services