The Obelisco: Buenos Aires Icon

The Obelisco de Buenos Aires is a national historic monument and an iconic symbol of the city. Situated in the Plaza de la República, at the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes, it was built in 1936 to celebrate the quadricentennial of the first foundation of Buenos Aires. The obelisk marks the spot where the Argentine flag was first raised in the city.The Obelisco was designed by Alberto Prebisch, a prominent figure in Argentine modernism. Construction began on March 20, 1936, and was completed in just 31 days, opening on May 23, 1936. The rapid construction was made possible by the use of quick-drying cement and a design that allowed for sectional construction. The structure is 67.5 meters (221 feet) tall.Throughout its history, the Obelisco has been a gathering place for celebrations, political demonstrations, and cultural events. It has also been the subject of controversy and vandalism. In 1938, pieces of the stone covering detached, leading to its replacement with polished cement in 1943. In the 1980s, a fence was erected around the base to prevent graffiti.The Obelisco remains a central point in Buenos Aires, with three subway lines converging beneath it and the Metrobus transit system passing alongside. Recent work started in October 2024 to install a lift and internal panoramic viewing platform, which is expected to open to visitors by Spring 2025.