If you have ever seen pictures of Buenos Aires, then you have probably seen the Obelisk, or “obelisco” (Spanish). An obelisk is a stone pillar, typically having a square or rectangular cross section and a pyramidal top, set up as a monument or landmark (the Washington Monument is an example of an obelisk in the States). The Obelisco de Buenos Aires (Obelisk of Buenos Aires) is a national historic monument and icon of Buenos Aires. It was built to commemorate the fourth centenary of the first foundation of the city and is located in the Plaza de la República, in the intersection of avenues Corrientes and 9 de Julio.
In order to enrich the surroundings of the iconic monument, the government of the city started a project which created a zone full of LED signs. Since the Obelisk of the city is always associated with the night and entertainment of Buenos Aires, this project creates a zone similar to Times Square in New York and Piccadilly Circus in London.
Construction began on March 20, 1936, and it was inaugurated on May 23 of the same year. Its height is 67.5 m (221 feet), and 63 m (206 ft) of these are up to the initiation of the apex, which is 3.5 by 3.5 meters (11 by 11 ft). The tip is blunt, measuring 40 centimeters (16 in) and ends in a lightning rod that can not be seen because of the height, whose cables run through the interior of the obelisk. It has only one entrance (in its west side) and on its top there are four windows, that can only be reached by a straight staircase of 206 steps with 7 breaks every 6–8 meters (20–26 ft).
It is a beautiful monument in the city. It is also seen in the picture of Buenos Aires on our homepage. Here are a few more pictures of el Obelisco de Buenos Aires…