Buenos Aires is one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities in Latin America. It is often compared to Europe because of its magnificent architecture, wide avenues, historic buildings, theaters, and museums. The city combines French style, British influence, and Italian elegance. It preserves the atmosphere of the last century while remaining a modern and vibrant metropolis.
One of the most famous symbols of the Retiro district is Torre Monumental — the Monumental Tower, which many people still call Torre de los Ingleses (“The Tower of the English”). On May 24, this legendary landmark celebrates the 110th anniversary of its opening.
The tower was officially inaugurated on May 24, 1916, as a gift from the British community in Argentina to commemorate the centenary of the May Revolution of 1810 — the event that marked the beginning of the country’s struggle for independence. The project was designed by British architect Ambrose Macdonald Poynter in the English Renaissance style. Even the bricks and stones used in construction were imported from Great Britain.
Torre Monumental is located in the Retiro district, near the Retiro railway station and Plaza San Martín. In the 20th century, this area became the first introduction to Buenos Aires for many immigrants arriving in the city. Over the years, the tower has witnessed the city’s history, growth, and cultural diversity.
The structure stands approximately 60 meters tall. Its main feature is the clock, which resembles the famous Big Ben in London. The bells of Torre Monumental play the same Westminster Quarters melody heard in Great Britain. On the tower’s façade, visitors can see the symbols of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
Today, Torre Monumental is not only a historical landmark but also one of the most beautiful observation points in Buenos Aires. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Retiro district, the port, and part of the city center.
Buenos Aires is a city where history lives on every street. And Torre Monumental is one of those landmarks that reminds visitors of the multicultural past of the Argentine capital and its close connection with Europe.
Read also: BUSINESS MEETING WITH IRYNA MUDRA ON COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGES CAUSED BY RF AGGRESSION
Author: Olena Zhukova
Photo: from open sources