Angel of Independence. Mexico City, Mexico.

The soaring victory column that reaches out from Mexico City’s major roundabout is officially dubbed Monumento a la Independencia. However, its common moniker is the Angel of Independence, or the abridged, El Angelo. It stands at 118 ft high in Paseo de la Reforma, and was originally constructed in 1910 by Antonio Rivas Mercado.

The architect designed it during the presidency of Porfirio Diaz, and it served to commemorate the centennial of Mexico’s War of Independence. The roundabout not only functions as a structure that traffic must drive around, but is also a cultural and historical focal point for Mexico’s history.

The gold-coated, 22 ft winged figure balancing on top of the column is Nike, who was the ancient Greek goddess of victory before becoming a major sporting brand. In her right hand she grips a laurel crown, representing the theme of Victory, and in her left hand she dangles a broken chain, representing that of Freedom.

Image provided by en.wikipedia.org