Which iconic monument stands in the center of Buenos Aires?

The Obelisco de Buenos Aires stands in the center of Buenos Aires at Plaza de la República, where Avenida Corrientes crosses the broad Avenida 9 de Julio. It is Argentina's best-known urban monument and a traditional gathering point for celebrations, demonstrations, and sporting victories.

Architect Alberto Prebisch designed the rationalist monument, which was completed and inaugurated in 1936. It rises 67.5 metres and commemorates the 400th anniversary of Pedro de Mendoza's first founding of Buenos Aires. The site also recalls the former Church of San Nicolás de Bari, where Argentina's flag was reportedly first raised in the city in 1812.

The obelisk was controversial from the beginning. In 1939, Buenos Aires's city council even voted to demolish it, citing aesthetic, economic, and safety concerns, but the order was vetoed and never carried out.

Casa Rosada is the seat of government, Palacio Barolo is a landmark office building, and Torre Monumental is a separate tower; none is the central monument described here.