El Obelisco

The Buenos Aires Obelisk was built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first founding of the city. It is located in the center of the Plaza de la Republica and is at the intersection of Nueve de Julio (9th of July) and Corrientes avenues. It stands 67 metres tall.

I am impressed that it only took 4 weeks to construct (we could use that crew in the field!)


As I walk to and from work, I cross Nueve de Julio avenue and look up the street and see the obelisk. In late afternoon, the sun illuminates it and at night, spotlights do.



Marketing geniuses have figured out the Obelisk is frequented by tourists and locals alike. Many of the jumbo billboards are angled so that photographs catch the Obelisk AND the billboards.

It has become the focal point of celebrations and protests. They have had to fence off the base area as it has seen its share of graffiti but it doesnt stop the eggs.


B.