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Obelisco de Buenos Aires

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Landmark
—°10
Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)

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The Obelisk of Buenos Aires is the definitive icon of the Argentine capital, standing prominently at the center of the Plaza de la República. Erected in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city's first foundation by Pedro de Mendoza, it was remarkably completed in just 31 days. Designed by architect Alberto Prebisch, the modernist structure reaches a height of 67.5 meters and features a base measuring 49 square meters. Its location is highly symbolic, as it occupies the site where the Argentine national flag was first flown in the city in 1812. Situated at the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes, it serves as the heart of the city's political, cultural, and sporting celebrations. Inside, a ladder with 206 rungs leads to a small observation deck at the peak, though it remains closed to the general public for safety reasons. Over the decades, the Obelisk has evolved from a controversial architectural choice to the most cherished symbol of Buenos Aires' identity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C25242117131091113172023
Rain mm110125122100724968698011310497

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Obelisco de Buenos Aires is a freestanding monument on Avenida 9 de Julio, viewable from outside 24/7. The interior is not accessible.
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Typical hours
As a monument in public space, there are no opening hours. The best view is during the day; at night the obelisk is lit.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time and is popular. The optimal position for shots is from the middle of Avenida 9 de Julio or the pedestrian area around the monument.
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Time needed
A visit to the obelisk itself takes only about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow extra time for photos and to soak in the lively surroundings.
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Combine with
Combine the obelisk with a stroll to Calle Florida or Teatro Colón, both nearby. The central Plaza de la República is directly adjacent.
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Getting there
The obelisk is at the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes, central in Buenos Aires. The nearest metro station is '9 de Julio' (Line D); buses also stop here.
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Insider tip
Visit the obelisk in the early evening when the lighting comes on and streets are less crowded. Look out for local artisans in the area.

Geography

Coordinates
-34.60370, -58.38160

Facts

  • The Obelisk was officially inaugurated on May 23, 1936.
  • The total height of the monument is exactly 67.5 meters.
  • Construction utilized 680 cubic meters of concrete and 1,360 square meters of white stone.
  • The tip features four small windows, each facing a different cardinal direction.
  • In 1939, the city council almost voted for its demolition, but the mayor intervened.
  • The base of the Obelisk measures 7 by 7 meters.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Teatro ColónTeatro Colón<1 km · SEExplore →
Port of Buenos AiresPort of Buenos Aires2 km · NEExplore →
Floralis GenéricaFloralis Genérica2 km · SEExplore →
La BomboneraLa Bombonera3 km · NWExplore →
Abasto Children's MuseumAbasto Children's Museum3 km · SExplore →
Galileo Galilei PlanetariumGalileo Galilei Planetarium4 km · SEExplore →
LanúsLanús6 km · WExplore →
Tierra Santa Theme ParkTierra Santa Theme Park7 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Obelisco de Buenos Aires (10)

Obelisco

Iconic historical monument in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Plaza de la República🌳 park

Public square in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Bandera de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires

Flag of the City of Buenos Aires, flown on a pole.

el Nacional

Theatre in Buenos Aires.

Mirador Obelisco

Viewpoint at the Obelisk in Buenos Aires.

Teatro Broadway

Cinema and theatre in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Iglesia Universal del Reino de Dios

Church of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God in Buenos Aires.

Tango Sidewalk

Tango sidewalk in Buenos Aires.

NH Tango

Theatre in Buenos Aires.

Iglesia Internacional de la Gracia de Dios

International Church of the Grace of God in Buenos Aires.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to the Obelisk of Buenos Aires?
The easiest way is by subway or on foot if you are already downtown. It stands on Avenida 9 de Julio and is hard to miss.
How long should you stay there?
For a photo and a short stop, 10 to 20 minutes is enough. With the surroundings and a city walk, it can take longer.
Is the Obelisk nice at night?
Yes, the lighting makes it especially photogenic in the evening. At night it feels like a classic Buenos Aires landmark.
Do you need a ticket?
No, it is a freely accessible public landmark. You only need to watch the traffic around it.
Is the area pedestrian-friendly?
Yes, but traffic is heavy, so stick to crossings and lights. It is handy for photos because it is near other central sights.
Obelisco de Buenos Aires: where is it located?
Obelisco de Buenos Aires is located in Argentina.
Obelisco de Buenos Aires: what is there to see?
Highlights include Obelisco, Plaza de la República, Bandera de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires.
Obelisco de Buenos Aires: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Obelisco de Buenos Aires: why is it worth visiting?
The Obelisk of Buenos Aires is the definitive icon of the Argentine capital, standing prominently at the center of the Plaza de la República.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Teatro Colón — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Teatro Colón
One of the world's most acclaimed opera houses, known for its incredible acoustics and beauty.
Palacio Barolo — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Palacio Barolo
An exquisite building inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, known for its unique tower.
Cabildo of Buenos Aires — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Cabildo of Buenos Aires
The site of the May Revolution, representing the birth of Argentine independence.
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
The main Catholic church in Buenos Aires, reflecting neoclassical architecture and history.
Torre Monumental — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Torre Monumental
A historic clock tower in Buenos Aires, formerly known as the Torre de los Ingleses.
Argentine National Congress Palace — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Argentine National Congress Palace
The monumental building housing the Argentine National Congress, with a prominent dome.
Casa Rosada — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Casa Rosada
The executive mansion and office of the President of Argentina, famous for its pink exterior.
Kirchner Cultural Centre — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Kirchner Cultural Centre
A large cultural center housed in a historic building, hosting various arts and musical performances.

More places

Port of Buenos Aires — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Port of Buenos Aires
The largest port in Argentina and the main hub for maritime trade.
Abasto Children&#39;s Museum — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Abasto Children's Museum
An interactive museum inside the Abasto shopping center where children can playfully try out various professions.
Buenos Aires Ecopark — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Buenos Aires Ecopark
The former Buenos Aires zoo has been transformed into an interactive ecopark dedicated to environmental education.
Tierra Santa Theme Park — Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Tierra Santa Theme Park
A religious theme park in Buenos Aires that meticulously recreates ancient Jerusalem.