The Monumental Clock of Pachuca (Pachuca de Soto’s Reloj Monumental) is the focal point of the central Independence Square (La Plaza Independencia). The clock’s four faces point directly north, east, south and west, so the tower is a good starting point for your explorations of Pachuca. Look up at the ornate stone tower with its copper dome, listen to its carillon and visit the modern cultural centre below.
The tower stands 131 feet (40 metres) tall and was inaugurated in 1910. It was proposed and financed by Cornish miners, who wanted it to become a tower of concerts. This never eventuated because its open balconies were too highly placed, making the musicians invisible to the public below. Instead, the city’s “Banda de Rurales” (Rural Orchestra) played in a purpose-built kiosk below the tower.
Walk around the tower to see its four clock faces, adorned by eagles. Note other typical neoclassical features, such as the marble statues representing Liberty, Independence, Constitution and Reform on each side of the tower. These were the milestones from the start of the War of Independence in 1810 to the law reforms in 1859.
The tower’s third level houses an Austrian-designed carillon, with a mechanism identical to London’s famous Big Ben, which chimes every 15 minutes. Come back just before 6 p.m. to hear the bells play the Mexican National Anthem.
In 2015, the square’s bandstand was replaced by El Centro Cultural El Reloj. Go down into this ultra-modern cultural centre, which houses an open-air theatre for concerts, an underground children’s learning centre, art gallery and exhibit space. After browsing, visit its library, gift shop and restaurant with wine bar.
It’s worth returning to Independence Square at the end of the day to see the tower lit up like a beacon against the night sky. The Monumental Clock is easy to reach by public transportation and taxi. Parking is limited in the square itself, but the surrounding streets have more spaces. Entry to the cultural centre is free, but you may have to pay for certain exhibits.
