Torre Monumental, Western Argentina Travel Guide

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Discover Buenos Aires' Torre Monumental, a historic clock tower offering panoramic city views and a glimpse into Anglo-Argentine relations.

The Torre Monumental, originally named Torre de los Ingleses, stands in the Retiro neighborhood of Buenos Aires as a gift from the British community. Built to commemorate the centenary of the May Revolution in 1916, this iconic clock tower offers panoramic views of the city and port.

A brief summary to Torre Monumental

Av. Dr. José María Ramos Mejía 1315, Buenos Aires, Retiro, Comuna 1, Buenos Aires, C1104, AR
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Monday 11 am-5:40 pm
Wednesday 11 am-5:40 pm
Thursday 11 am-5:40 pm
Friday 11 am-5:40 pm
Saturday 11 am-5:40 pm
Sunday 11 am-5:40 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Torre Monumental.

Visit on Wednesday for free admission to the tower.
Check the official website for updated opening hours and occasional closures.
Take small notes, as taxis in Buenos Aires mostly accept cash.

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Explore Torre Monumental on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Torre Monumental, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Plaza San Martín, walk east along Av. Dr. José María Ramos Mejía. The Torre Monumental is located in the Plaza Fuerza Aérea Argentina, a short walk from the plaza. No costs involved.
Public Transport

Take the subway (Subte) Line C to Retiro station. From the station, walk a few blocks to Plaza Fuerza Aérea Argentina, where the Torre Monumental is located. As of October 2024, the fare for registered SUBE users is AR$757. A SUBE card is required.
Taxi

From the Obelisco, a taxi ride to Torre Monumental will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxi fares in Buenos Aires start at ARS 657, with an additional charge per 200 meters. Expect to pay around ARS 1933 for the trip. Ensure the driver uses the meter.

Discover more about Torre Monumental

The Torre Monumental, also known as the Torre de los Ingleses (Tower of the English), is a striking clock tower located in the Retiro district of Buenos Aires. This monument was a gift from the British residents of Buenos Aires to commemorate the centennial of the May Revolution of 1810.The tower, designed by British architect Sir Ambrose Macdonald Poynter, showcases a Palladian architectural style and was constructed using materials shipped from the United Kingdom, including Portland stone and Leicester bricks. Its foundation stone was laid in 1910, but completion was delayed until 1916 due to World War I and logistical challenges. The tower stands 60 meters (197 feet) tall and features intricate details reflecting British cultural heritage. The friezes display symbols like the thistle for Scotland, the Tudor rose for England, the red dragon for Wales, and the shamrock for Ireland. At 45 meters, a clock crafted by Gillett & Johnston of Croydon, England, chimes every quarter-hour, mimicking the sounds of Big Ben.Throughout its history, the tower has been a symbol of resilience. In 1982, during the Falklands War, anti-British sentiment led to the tower being renamed Torre Monumental, and the surrounding plaza was renamed Plaza Fuerza Aérea Argentina. Today, visitors can ascend via a modern glass elevator to the observation deck for views of Retiro, the railway terminal, and the port. The tower also serves as an information center for the city's museums.