Paseo de la Reforma is the principal east-west artery of Mexico City. This boulevard has busts of famous men (mainly heroes of the wars of independence, etc.) along the sides and large roundabouts(glorietas) at the intersections, with monuments or groups of trees.

The patrician houses of the colonial period which once flanked the street have almost completely disappeared, to be replaced by tall modern blocks containing offices, hotels, restaurants, cinemas and shops.

This magnificent avenue was originally laid out during the reign of the Emperor Maximillian to provide a direct link between his residence in Chapultepec Castle and the official seat of government on the Zocalo.

It takes its present name from the reforming laws promulgated by Maximilian's antagonist Benito Juarez in 1861; it was previouly known as the Calzador del Emperador("Avenue of the Emperor") and Paseo de los Hombres Ilustres("Promenade of Famous Men").