The Obelisco is the greatest emblem of the City of Buenos Aires and its inhabitants, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Statue of Liberty in New York
It was inaugurated on May 23, 1936 as a tribute to the fourth centenary of the first foundation of Buenos Aires and was raised in the same place where the national flag was hoisted for the first time in the City. It is the work of the architect Alberto Prebisch, one of the main exponents of Argentine modernism and also author of the neighboring Teatro Gran Rex.
It has a total height of 67.5 meters and a base of 6.8 meters per side and a single entrance door (facing Corrientes Avenue heading west), behind which there is a 206-step marine staircase, with 7 breaks, leading to the cusp. There is a viewpoint with four windows, visible from the street, with a unique view of the City. Entry is only enabled in special situations. This monument culminates in a lightning rod that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Strategically located at the intersection of two of the most important avenues: 9 de Julio, which is among the widest in the world, and Corrientes "street", one of the main cultural hubs of the city, the Obelisk is a must-see photo of each visitor. In addition, it is the axis of the Metrobus, the collective transport system that crosses the Microcentro on Avenida 9 de Julio, inaugurated in 2013.
Fun facts
Did you know that the Obelisco was a work that suffered from many opposing voices in its beginnings? In fact, three years after its inauguration, the Deliberative Council sanctioned its demolition, arguing security, aesthetic and economic reasons. Finally, that decision was questioned by the president of the Nation, Roberto Ortiz, and later vetoed by the mayor at the time, Arturo Goyeneche. Far from that, today it is one of the main meeting points for political demonstrations and the celebration of sporting achievements.
Information:
Adress: Av. 9 de Julio s/n, C1043 CABA