Obelisk of Buenos Aires — Live Webcam Online
The Obelisk of Buenos Aires: Symbol of Argentina's Capital
This page features a live webcam overlooking the main symbol of Argentina's capital — the Obelisk of Buenos Aires. The live stream lets you see Plaza de la República in real time: the circular traffic flow, the city skyline with its high-rise buildings, and the famous white monument at the center of the frame.
Buenos Aires is Argentina's largest city, situated on the western bank of the Río de la Plata. It serves as the country's cultural and economic capital, where European architecture blends with Latin American character. The obelisk rising above Plaza de la República has become the city's iconic landmark and a reference point for all visitors.
History of the Obelisk: Why It Became the City's Symbol
The monument was erected in May 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city's founding. The location was chosen deliberately: this is where the Argentine flag was first raised in Buenos Aires history in 1812, an event recorded on the north side of the monument.
Locals simply call it "El Obelisco" — the Obelisk. It's the most recognizable symbol of Argentina's capital, a gathering place for celebrations, holidays, and sporting triumphs. When the Argentine national team wins an important match, thousands of people gather at the foot of the monument to celebrate the victory.
Architecture and Dimensions of the Monument
The obelisk is a slender four-sided column standing 67.5 meters tall, designed by architect Alberto Prebisch. The architect worked in the rationalist style, aiming for clean lines and monumental presence.
Remarkably, construction took only 4 weeks. The base covers 49 square meters. Built from white concrete and clad in stone slabs, the monument has a distinctive light color that stands out clearly on the webcam feed.
Plaza de la República: The Heart of Buenos Aires
The obelisk stands in Plaza de la República, where two major city avenues intersect — Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes. This strategic location makes the square a transportation hub and a magnet for tourists.
Plaza de la República is more than just an intersection — it's a historic site. Political rallies, cultural events, and festive parades all take place here. The camera captures the circular traffic flow around the obelisk, with cars, buses, and taxis constantly moving through.
What's Nearby: Landmarks in the Frame
From Plaza de la República, you can see several iconic Buenos Aires landmarks. To the right of the obelisk stands the Argentine National Congress building with its distinctive green copper dome and classical colonnade. It's one of the most impressive neoclassical structures in all of South America.
The frame also captures the Puente de la Mujer (Woman's Bridge) — a modern curved pedestrian bridge spanning the bay in the Puerto Madero district. Its distinctive tango-inspired shape has become a symbol of contemporary Buenos Aires architecture.
In the background, the city skyline features high-rise buildings, illuminated streets, and flowing traffic. On clear days, you can make out the Teatro Colón and Palacio Barolo — two more architectural masterpieces of Argentina's capital.
Avenida 9 de Julio: The World's Widest Avenue
The obelisk stands on Avenida 9 de Julio, considered the widest avenue in the world at 140 meters from sidewalk to sidewalk. The avenue is named after Argentina's Independence Day — July 9, 1816.
Avenida 9 de Julio stretches from the Retiro district in the north to Constitución in the south, cutting across the entire city. Historic buildings, hotels, theaters, and restaurants line both sides. Traffic on this thoroughfare never stops — clearly visible on the webcam at any hour.
How to Get to the Obelisk
Three city metro lines (B, C, D) converge beneath the obelisk, connected by underground passages. This makes Plaza de la República one of the most accessible spots in the city.
You can reach the obelisk by metro: Line B — Carlos Pellegrini station, Line C — Diagonal Norte, Line D — 9 de Julio. When you exit the metro, you're immediately at the foot of the monument.
For tourists staying in the city center, the obelisk often serves as a landmark. From Plaza de la República, it's an easy walk to the Teatro Colón, the San Telmo neighborhood, or the Puerto Madero waterfront.
Buenos Aires: City of Tango and Steaks
Argentina's capital is a city of contrasts. The skyscrapers of the business district sit alongside the pastel-colored houses of La Boca, while the luxury boutiques of Palermo coexist with the antique shops of San Telmo. Buenos Aires is called the "Paris of South America" for its European architecture and refined atmosphere.
The city is famous for its tango, which was born in the port neighborhoods in the late 19th century. Today, every evening in numerous milongas (dance halls), locals and tourists alike dance this passionate dance. And Buenos Aires is also the steak capital: Argentine beef is considered some of the best in the world.
What You Can See on the Camera
The webcam broadcasts a panoramic view of Buenos Aires overlooking Plaza de la República. At the center of the frame is the famous Obelisk of Buenos Aires, a tall white monument rising above the circular traffic flow.
To the right stands the Argentine National Congress building with its distinctive green copper dome and classical colonnade. Nearby, the modern curved pedestrian bridge Puente de la Mujer spans the waters of the bay.
In the background, the city skyline features high-rise buildings, illuminated streets, and flowing traffic. The camera operates in real time, allowing you to observe life in Argentina's capital at any hour: from the bustle of daytime to the nighttime lights of the metropolis.
