The Alvaro Obregón Avenue, one of the nicest in the Roma area, has been since its creation the main artery in this neighborhood.

Originally, this beautiful street was called Jalisco Avenue, and it remained so until 1929 when it was renamed as Alvaro Obregón Avenue in honor of the president and revolutionary from Sonora.

This avenue runs from Oaxaca street, very near Park Spain in the area of La Condesa, to Cuauhtémoc Avenue. It is characterized by its ample middle ridge which has two rows of trees, just like the Parisian boulevards. This middle ridge is also adorned by several fountains sporting bronze sculptures inspired in mythological themes.

The heart of the Roma district is found where the Alvaro Obregón and Orizaba avenues meet; located in this corner is the Lamm House, an outstanding eclectic mansion in which the family García Collantes once resided and is considered one of the most beautiful houses in the area. Today, this space is occupied by an important cultural centre that has interesting temporary exhibitions, a library and a restaurant. The Balmori building is located in front of this mansion; it’s an elegant stone building that possesses a beautiful patio with a slender fountain. The ground floor contains several shops specializing in luxury items.

Also on Alvaro Obregón Avenue, very near the Lamm House, we can find ‘El Parián’, a pleasant, recently restored commercial road which offers a varied selection of items ranging from furniture to the most recent Mexican fashion.

Another characteristic thing about this avenue are its antique book shops in which one can acquire practically any book, even on the most specialized or outdated subjects. Also, on Sundays, an art and antique bazaar settles on this avenue in which you can find anything and, even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth having a look around, as it’s one of Mexico City’s most beautiful avenues.

.