Plaza Manuel Tolsa (Manuel Tolsa Square), Mexico City

The Manuel Tolsa Square (Plaza Manuel Tolsá), renowned for housing the monumental equestrian sculpture El Caballito, stands proudly in Mexico City, just in front of the National Museum of Art. Although not the largest, it holds a significant position among the city's plazas, frequently hosting cultural and artistic events.

This square came into existence when the old San Andrés Hospital was demolished. It is regarded as one of the last architectural works from the Porfiriato period, likely associated with Porfirio Díaz himself. In fact, Díaz chose to name the place in honor of Tolsá, a fitting decision given its orientation towards the Palacio de Minería. The Mining Palace, with its splendid architecture, firmly establishes Tolsá's prowess as an architect. Interestingly, it stands surrounded by imposing Florentine Renaissance-Style buildings, yet it exhibits a seemingly lighter Neo-Classical design dating back a century earlier.

However, at its core, the square remains a stone-paved city square, following the European style. Over the years, it has witnessed countless moments of pigeon feedings and the joyous gatherings of school girls holding hands. On weekends, its adjacent streets become adorned with book dealers from Donceles and various parts of the city. For many Mexico City residents, crossing Manuel Tolsa Square becomes a routine, repeated countless times throughout their lives. Little do they realize that their energy and essence continue to resonate within this place, even to this day.