Attraction: Obelisco

Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes meet at the Obelisco de Buenos Aires, the city’s most recognizable landmark. The former is known as the world’s widest street, with up to 16 lanes in places, while the latter is known as “the street that never sleeps,” because it is home to many of Buenos Aires’ most popular theaters and pizzerias that stay open until the wee hours of the morning.

Buenos Aires was founded by Pedro de Mendoza in 1536, and the monument was erected in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city’s first flag-raising ceremony. The obelisk was designed by Argentine modernist architect Alberto Prebisch, who designed the Gran Rex Theatre, which can be found nearby at Corrientes 857, at 67.5 meters in height. The obelisk is 8.8 meters wide on both sides.

It has become a symbol of the city, connecting three underground metro lines and the Metrobus dedicated bus corridor below the obelisk, and serving as a beacon for events ranging from sporting events to political protests. The obelisk now serves as both a symbol and the focal point for the city.

206 steps and seven resting spots lead to the viewing platform, which has windows on all four sides of the structure (closed to the public). At the very top of the pyramid, there’s a lightning rod.

More about Obelisco.