Torre Latinoamericana (Latin-American Tower), Mexico City

The iconic Latin-American Tower (Torre Latinoamericana) is one of Mexico City's most noticeable landmarks. Indeed, at a height of 166 meters (545 feet), this was once the tallest building in the capital. Inaugurated in 1956, the high riser was designed to house the headquarters of the insurance company La Latinoamericana, Seguros, and is named after it.

The skyscraper gained prominence as a feat of engineering successfully built in a highly active seismic zone and on soft soil, too. Its foundation reaches deep into the earth and the whole structure is flexible to sway along with the ground movement. True to its design, the tower withstood, without damage, a series of earthquakes: first in 1957, of a 7.9-magnitude; then in 1985, of an 8.1-magnitude; and finally, of a 7.1-magnitude in 2017.

The public observation deck on the 44th floor offers the highest vantage point in Mexico City and is well worth visiting. On clear days, it affords tremendous views of the city in every direction, sometimes as far as the snow-capped volcanoes Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl in the southeast. If you're feeling little vertigo, take heart – despite its potentially dangerous location, the Latin American Tower is deservedly recognized as a symbol of safety in Mexico City.

In perspective, there are plans to give it some facelift, using new materials on the exterior, while strictly maintaining the original look which may not be altered.