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WayPoint THE OBELISK

 



Why is this a good place to visit? 

The Obelisk of Buenos Aires is an emblematic icon of the city and an important landmark. Its central location at the intersection of two of the city's main avenues, Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes, makes it an easily accessible place. Additionally, its impressive height and architectural design make it stand out visually, attracting tourists and locals alike. It is a perfect place to take photographs, admire the urban architecture and enjoy the bustle of Buenos Aires life that surrounds it. In addition, it occasionally hosts cultural and artistic events. From its base, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, making it an ideal starting point for exploring other nearby attractions. In short, the Obelisco is a must-see destination in Buenos Aires due to its historical importance, its architectural beauty and its central and accessible location.






Where is the place located?

El Obelisco de Buenos Aires está ubicado en la intersección de dos de las principales avenidas de la ciudad: Avenida 9 de Julio y Avenida Corrientes. Su dirección exacta es Avenida 9 de Julio y Avenida Corrientes, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Obelisco/@-34.6037389,-58.3841453,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x4aa9f0a6da5edb:0x11bead4e234e558b!8m2!3d-34.6037389!4d-58.3815704!16zL20vMDM1Z2pi?hl=es-419&entry=ttu




Describe of the place: 

?	Historical icon:
 The Obelisk of Buenos Aires, built in 1936 to commemorate the fourth centenary of the founding of the city, is a symbol of its history and evolution. Witness to key events in Argentine history, from political demonstrations to sporting celebrations, the obelisk embodies the vibrant spirit and cultural identity of the city.

?	Featured tourist destination:
 The Obelisco is a must-see place in Buenos Aires due to its monumentality and central location. It attracts visitors from all over the world who seek to capture its magnificence in photographs, explore the bustling urban life that surrounds it, and enjoy the cultural and artistic events that occasionally take place nearby.

?	Epicenter of Buenos Aires life:
 The Obelisk is much more than a monument; It is a meeting point, a place where the life of the city beats strongly. From mass demonstrations to spontaneous celebrations, the area around the obelisk bears witness to the diversity and energy of Buenos Aires, making it an iconic place of urban life.

?	Symbol of identity and pride:
 The Obelisk represents the pride and identity of the people of Buenos Aires. It is a monument that evokes a sense of belonging and unity in the community, remembering its history and its position on the world stage. As an emblem of Buenos Aires, the obelisk transcends its architectural function to become a symbol of resilience, creativity and passion.






 Interesting facts about the place:


?	 Egyptian inspiration:
 Although the Buenos Aires Obelisk seems to evoke the ancient Egyptian tradition of erecting obelisks, its design was actually inspired by the modernity of the 1930s. Architect Alberto Prebisch sought to create a monument that reflected the avant-garde of the era, using simple lines and a tall, thin structure that captured attention.

?	Construction materials:
 The obelisk was built using reinforced concrete and white stone cladding from the Argentine province of Córdoba. However, due to the lack of sufficient stone, an ingenious solution was resorted to: the cladding was simulated with white paint on the concrete, which gave it its distinctive marble appearance.

?	Impressive dimensions:
 With a height of approximately 67.5 meters and a square base measuring 49 meters on each side, the Buenos Aires Obelisk is one of the tallest monuments of its type in the world. Its imposing presence makes it an unmistakable landmark on the city's urban skyline.

?	Controversial history: 
Over the years, the Obelisk has been the subject of controversy and debate. During the military dictatorship in Argentina (1976-1983), it was considered demolished due to its association with the previous Peronist government. However, the proposal never materialized, and the obelisk continued to be an important symbol of the city.

?	Constant maintenance:
 Throughout its history, the Obelisk has undergone numerous maintenance and restoration works to preserve its structure and appearance. From cleaning its cladding to repairing cracks and damage caused by weather and pollution, local authorities are striving to keep this iconic monument in top condition for future generations.

?	 Controversial origin of the design:
 Although the Buenos Aires Obelisk is now a recognized icon, its initial design was not without controversy. Architect Alberto Prebisch won the competition to design the monument, but his initial proposal was rejected for being too modern and alien to Argentine identity. After a review, Prebisch presented a more conventional design, which was eventually accepted and built. However, his original vision of the Obelisk as a much more futuristic steel and glass structure remains a curiosity in the monument's history.

?	Olympic symbolism:
 In 2005, the Obelisk of Buenos Aires was illuminated with the colors of the Olympic rings as part of the celebrations for the city's election as the host of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. This special lighting It was a symbolic gesture to highlight the city's commitment to the Olympic spirit and youth sports.

?	Temporary use as a giant screen:
 On several occasions, the Obelisk has been used as a giant screen to project images and messages. One of the most memorable events was during the 2006 World Cup, when images of the matches and messages of support for the Argentine team were projected, turning the monument into the epicenter of football excitement in the city.

?	Secret places inside the Obelisk:
 Although the Obelisk appears to be a massive structure, it actually has internal spaces accessible through stairs and hallways. These spaces, which include cameras and observation platforms, are used for maintenance and lighting control. Although they are not open to the public, they add a layer of mystery to the iconic structure.

?	Destination for creative marriage proposals:
 The Obelisk of Buenos Aires has been the scene of numerous creative and romantic marriage proposals over the years. From projections of messages of love to flash mobs and serenades, couples have found unique ways to express their commitment in front of this iconic monument, making it a symbolic place for love and celebration.



How do you get to the place?

The Buenos Aires Obelisk is easily accessible from various points of the city due to its central location. You can get there by public transportation, such as buses (collectives) that have stops nearby, or by the metro system, known as the subway, with the "9 de Julio" station on line D or the "Carlos Pellegrini" station on line B. In addition, you can walk there from many places in the city center, since the obelisk is located at a major intersection of avenues. You can also opt for private transportation services, such as taxis or ride-sharing services, that will drop you off near the monument. Regardless of the means of transportation you choose, getting to the Obelisk is convenient and easy due to its prominent location in the heart of Buenos Aires.










What other interesting places are nearby? 

Near the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, there are several interesting places that tourists can visit to complement their experience in the city:

?	Teatro Colón: 
Located a short distance from the Obelisk, the Teatro Colón is one of the most important opera theaters in the world. It offers guided tours to explore its impressive architecture and learn about its rich cultural history.

?	Avenida Corrientes: 
Known as the "Avenue of Theaters", this bustling street is home to a large number of bookstores, theaters, cafes and iconic pizzerias. It is an ideal place to enjoy the nightlife and culture of Buenos Aires.

?	Plaza de la República:
 Located in front of the Obelisk, this square is a green space where visitors can rest and enjoy the view of the monument. It also houses the sculpture of "La Floralis Genérica", a metal structure that opens and closes according to the solar cycle.

?	Avenida 9 de Julio:
 In addition to being the setting for the Obelisk, Avenida 9 de Julio is one of the widest avenues in the world and offers an impressive view of the city. Walking along this avenue will allow you to appreciate its architecture and monuments, such as the Teatro Colón and the Palacio Barolo.

?	Galerias Pacífico: 
This luxurious shopping gallery, located a few blocks from the Obelisk, is known for its impressive architecture and fashion stores. Visitors can enjoy a unique shopping experience while exploring this elegant historic building.



Does it cost money to visit this place? 

Visiting the Buenos Aires Obelisk itself has no cost associated with it, as it is a public monument and can be viewed from the outside for free. However, if you decide to do additional activities near the Obelisk, such as taking a guided tour or entering a nearby paid venue, you may need to budget for additional expenses. In general, the cost of visiting the Obelisk will depend on the specific activities you choose to do during your visit.




Does this place have certain hours?

The Obelisk of Buenos Aires is an open-air monument that is available to be seen and visited at any time of the day, as it has no opening or closing hours. You can stop by the obelisk at any time convenient for you during your stay in the city. However, please note that if you wish to do additional activities near the obelisk, such as entering nearby sites or participating in guided tours, these may have specific operating hours. It is advisable to check the operating hours of these activities if you plan to incorporate them into your visit to the Obelisk.


Is there a best time of year or day to visit?

The best time of year to visit the Buenos Aires Obelisk depends on your personal preferences and what you are looking to experience during your visit. In general, spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) tend to be the most pleasant seasons in terms of weather, with moderate temperatures and less chance of rain. These months offer ideal conditions to walk around the obelisk and enjoy outdoor activities without the intense heat of summer or the cold of winter.

As for the best time of day, many visitors prefer to visit the Obelisk during the day to appreciate its grandeur and take photographs in good natural light. However, it can also be lovely to visit at dusk, when it is illuminated and offers a stunning view. Plus, if you like nightlife, the area around the obelisk comes alive with restaurants, bars and theaters, making it an exciting destination to explore at night.

In short, spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather conditions for visiting the Obelisk, while day and night have their own charms, depending on your preferences and planned activities.



Is the place safe to visit alone? 

In general, the area around the Buenos Aires Obelisk is safe to visit alone, especially during the day when there is more activity and presence of people. The area is frequently patrolled by police and is traveled by tourists and locals alike. However, as in any large city, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure your safety.

It is advisable to avoid displaying valuables ostentatiously and keep your personal belongings safe at all times, especially in crowded places such as the Obelisk area. Additionally, it is advisable to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in busy areas where there could be pickpockets or people looking to take advantage of tourists.

At night, security may vary depending on activity in the area. You may want to avoid walking alone in the area around the Obelisk late at night and take extra precautions, such as using public transportation or ride-sharing services to get around safely.

In short, if you take basic precautions and are aware of your surroundings, visiting the Buenos Aires Obelisk alone is generally safe, especially during the day and in busy areas.





How does this place rank on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the best? 5

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