11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Elevator at Obelisk Offers Breathtaking View of Buenos Aires
The famous Obelisk in Buenos Aires Obelisk now offers a breathtaking new perspective. With the addition of an elevator, visitors can ascend this iconic monument to have panoramic views of the vibrant city below.
Quoting Architect Juan Vacas, AFP said the 67.5-meter-tall Obelisk was erected in 1936, and stands at the intersection of Corrientes Street, renowned for its dynamic theater scene, and Avenida 9 de Julio, which according to tourist guides is the widest avenue in the world.
Vacas describes the monument as 'the heart of Buenos Aires.'
The Obelisk witnessed pivotal events in Argentina's history, including Raul Alfonsin's historic 1983 presidential campaign and a tribute for football legend Diego Maradona in 2020.
Recently, the Obelisk was illuminated with the image of late Pope Francis.
During the 2022 World Cup, millions gathered around the city's Obelisk where pictures of the players were projected. Some fans broke its doors and climbed to the top through service stairs.
The elevator rises the equivalent of twenty floors in just 55 seconds, although visitors must still climb 35 steps to reach the viewing platform, from where visitors can see Rio de la Plata.
This tourism project, completed recently, was 'a major challenge for architects' as all materials had to be brought in through a narrow door.
'The entire system was prefabricated, meticulously assembled and reassembled within the Obelisk's narrow space,' noted Vacas.
Currently in a trial phase, the elevator has attracted 25,000 eager people for early access, the municipality said in a statement on its Instagram account.
