Monterrey Landmarks and Monuments

(Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico)

Monterrey is home to a number of historic monuments, glitzy skyscrapers and high-rise landmarks, such as the Oficinas en el Parque Torre II, which is currently the tallest building in the city and stands at around 115 metres / 377 feet in height. Both the Edificio Latino and the Condominio del Norte landmarks are only slightly shorter and equally imposing, dominating part of the skyline. Another striking structure in Monterrey is the Faro de Comercio, which was built as a monument to the Chamber of Commerce.

For a little more history, some of Monterrey's oldest landmarks and monuments include the State Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno), the Old Federal Palace (Antiguo Palacio Federal) and also the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Senora of Monterrey (Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Senora de Monterrey). The city's main landmarks are explained further below.

Palacio de Gobierno (State Government Palace)

Address: Zuazua y 5 de Mayo, Monterrey, 64000, Mexico, MX
A famous Monterrey landmark in the heart of the city, the Palacio de Gobierno is the local Government Palace and home to the offices of the region governor. The building itself is hard to miss and features a Neo-classical facade with arched windows and a number of patio areas. Crowds gather here during the city's main national events, which include the Mexican Flag Day (Dia de la Bandera).
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Antiguo Palacio Federal (Old Federal Palace)

Address: Zaragoza y 5 de Mayo, Monterrey, 64000, Mexico, MX
The Antiguo Palacio Federal was constructed in the 1920s and is a very angular building, with definite Art Deco influences. With a bright white facade and a grand arched entrance, the Old Federal Palace is sited within central Monterrey and is an instantly recognisable building, being easy to spot from a distance.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Senora de Monterrey (Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Senora of Monterrey)

Address: Zuazua y Ocampo, Monterrey, 64000, Mexico, MX
Monterrey Cathedral is a particularly important city landmark and is known to have taken more than 100 years to build, finally being completed at the end of the 19th century. Dominated by its magnificent twin towers, the Metropolitan Cathedral is equally impressive inside, where you will find a series of religious art works and artefacts. The cathedral enjoys a mountainous backdrop and stands high above the surrounding buildings, being an instantly recognisable part of the Monterrey skyline.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free, donations suggested

Faro de Comercio

Address: Zuazua en la Macroplaza, Monterrey, 64000, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 81 345 9898
The Faro de Comercio is without doubt one of the famous landmarks to grace the city's skyline and is amongst the city's tallest structures, towering some 70 metres / 230 feet high. Dating back to 1984, the Faro de Comercio actually translates as the 'Commerce Lighthouse' and appears almost paper thin and in reality is less than 2 metres / 6.5 feet thick. Bright red in colour, the Faro de Comercio comes into its own at night, when a laser at the very top of the tower illuminates various parts of Monterrey. The Faro de Comercio is close to the city's cathedral and lies in the Macroplaza (La Gran Plaza).
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey - ITESM (Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Studies / Education)

Address: Avenida Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Colonia Tecnológico, Monterrey, 64849, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 81 328 4000
Often abbreviated to simply ITESM, the Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey is a prestigious centre for higher education. Home to more than 10,000 students, this is an especially important private university and highly regarded throughout Mexico. The modern architecture at the main entrance features a striking mural, with mountains in the background and a formal garden to the front, complete with flag pole, palm trees, manicured lawns and neatly arranged flower borders.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Casino de Monterrey (Monterrey Casino)

Address: Zuazua 1049 Sur, Monterrey, 64000, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 81 81130 5550
Whether you are a gambler or simply a tourist staying nearby, the Casino de Monterrey offers a great way to spend an evening and has become a historic landmark in its own right, dating back to the mid-1860s. Since it was rebuilt following considerable fire damage, Monterrey Casino has become known for its imposing Neo-classical architecture and was first used as a local cultural centre.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free