The Obelisk

The IJCAI-15 logo depicts the tip of the Obelisk of Buenos Aires.  This is a National Historical Monument and icon of the city of Buenos Aires. Located in the Plaza of the Republic, at the intersection of the Avenues Corrientes and 9 de Julio, it was built to commemorate the fourth centenary of the first foundation of the city. Actually, it evokes four different phases of Buenos Aires history: the first foundation in 1536, the second and final foundation in 1580, the first time the National Flag was hoisted in the city in 1812 (in the church of San Nicolás, which stood at the same location where the Obelisk is placed today); and the declaration of Buenos Aires as Argentina's capital in 1880. Throughout its history, however, the Obelisk has been at the heart of controversy and it hasn’t always been as beloved as it is today. In 1939, just 3 years after its inauguration, the demolition of the monument was approved by City Government. Arturo Goyenche, the mayor at the time, sanctioned the pulling down of the tower because of alleged risks to public safety, the lack of aesthetic appeal and due to economic reasons.

Many of the city’s subway lines converge and connect at the 9 de Julio subway station, which lies beneath the Plaza de la Republica, where the monument stands.  It is also the powerfully magnetic rallying point for all kinds of public gatherings. Religious congregations, political demonstrations, candlelight vigils and concerts held at the Obelisk have been known to attract thousands of devotees. The Obelisk is also the perferred place for football (soccer) celebrations such as important victories for the national football team.

Its height is 67.5 m and of these 63 m are up to the initiation of the apex, which is 3.5 m by 3.5 m. The tip is blunt, measuring 40 cm.