More than 9 million people visit Buenos Aires every year, and none of them miss the Obelisco. But if until now visitors had to settle for walking around the monument and taking pictures from the ground, starting November 1 the citys landmark site will offer a chance to get a unique perspective of the city: from above.
For the first time in 89 years, the Obelisco will turn into a 360 lookout tower into the city, 67.5 meters up in the air. Until recently, the only way to reach the top was to walk up 206 steps on a narrow seafaring staircase. Now, the monument will feature an elevator designed to preserve the original structure and provide a view of the interior through a glass wall. The monument will be open to the public to visit every day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
An 8-step staircase provides access to the elevator, which takes visitors to level 55 in one minute. From there, a 35-step spiral staircase will lead up to the viewing platform equipped with four windows, one facing each cardinal point. The viewing tour will last about 20 minutes and will include a historical and cultural narration. A virtual reality tour option will also be available soon, as the viewpoint is not fit for people with reduced mobility.
Tickets will be available online here and at the stands located on Av. Diagonal Norte and Av. 9 de Julio (starting November 1).
Prices for Argentine residents are AR$18,000 (showing ID) and AR$36,000 for non-residents.
Senior citizens and children 4 to 11 pay 50% of the price, while children under 4 enter for free. In cases of problems such as street demonstrations that impede access or bad weather, tickets will be either reimbursed or rescheduled.
A city landmark The Obelisco was inaugurated on May 23, 1936, to honor 400 years of the citys first foundation. It stands exactly on the spot where the Argentine flag was raised in the city for the first time. The monument is currently at the intersection of the citys two main avenues: 9 de Julio and Corrientes.
The tower was created by architect Alberto Prebisch, one of the main figures of Argentine modernist architecture. It has a 6.8-meter side and weighs approximately 170 tonnes. Construction reportedly took only 31 days, a record for the time.
Three years after its inauguration, the City Council voted to demolish it for aesthetic, economic, and safety reasons, but the decision was challenged by then-President Roberto Ortiz and ultimately vetoed by then-Mayor Arturo Goyeneche.
All pictures credit Buenos Aires City government
