Obelisk of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
The Obelisk of Buenos Aires, located at the Plaza de la República where avenues Corrientes and 9 de Julio intersect, is a national historic monument and a defining symbol of Argentina's capital. Designed by architect Alberto Prebisch and completed in 1936 in just 31 days, it commemorates the 400th anniversary of Buenos Aires' first foundation. The 67.5-meter tall reinforced concrete structure features a single entrance and a viewing area at the top with four windows offering panoramic city views. The monument stands on the site of a former church where the Argentine flag was first raised in Buenos Aires in 1812, an event commemorated by inscriptions on the obelisk. Despite initial public resistance and even a failed demolition attempt in 1939, it has become a beloved landmark. Over the years, it has undergone restorations and served as a canvas for political and cultural expressions, including being decorated as a giant pencil and adorned with a giant pink condom for World AIDS Day. In 2025, a glass elevator was installed to allow visitors to access the top for unique views of the city. The obelisk is easily accessible via multiple nearby metro lines and remains a central meeting point and cultural icon in Buenos Aires.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Obelisk is during daylight hours to enjoy the panoramic views from the top. It is recommended to book access to the Mirador Obelisco elevator in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visitors should also explore the surrounding Plaza de la República and nearby cultural venues. Public transportation, including metro lines B, C, and D, provides convenient access. Keep in mind the monument's historical significance and respect its status as a national monument during your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The Obelisk was built in a record 31 days by 157 workers using rapid-hardening cement.
- •It stands exactly where the Argentine flag was first officially raised in Buenos Aires in 1812.
- •In 2005, it was temporarily covered by a giant pink condom to commemorate World AIDS Day.
- •The monument has served as a giant pencil and a Christmas tree during special events.
- •A 2005 restoration used a special acrylic paint to improve its appearance and durability.
History
The Obelisk was constructed rapidly in 1936, beginning on March 20 and completed by May 23, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Buenos Aires' founding.
Designed by Alberto Prebisch, it replaced a church dedicated to St.
Nicholas of Bari, where the Argentine flag was first raised in the city in 1812.
Shortly after its inauguration, the monument faced public criticism and a 1939 city council ordinance attempted to demolish it, but this was vetoed by the mayor.
Over the decades, it has endured vandalism and political graffiti, prompting protective measures.
Major restoration was completed in 2005, including a repainting with a more pleasant stone hue.
The monument has also been used for symbolic decorations reflecting social and political themes.
Place Guide
Viewing Platform (Mirador Obelisco)2025
Located at the top of the Obelisk, this viewing area features four windows offering panoramic views of Buenos Aires in all four cardinal directions. Visitors can access it via a glass elevator installed in 2025, providing a unique perspective of the city from nearly 70 meters high.
Base Entrance1936
The single entrance to the Obelisk is on the west side facing Avenida Corrientes. From here, visitors can begin the ascent to the viewing platform, historically via 206 steps, now supplemented by the elevator.
