Zocalos are common to many cities in Mexico, and sort of serve as central starting points. Mexico City's zocalo is no different. History surrounds visitors to the Zocalo; indeed, the National Palace and the Templo Mayor are visible from the square. The area was originally the ceremonial center of Tenochtitlan, until the Spanish annihalated Aztec civilization. Many of the buildings currently around the plaza were in fact built by Spaniards with the labor of local slaves, and others were erected over the following centuries.
