Flanked by the enormous 9 de Julio Avenue, Republic Square (Plaza de la Republica) marks the heart of Buenos Aires’s bustling city center. Visit Republic Square to see an emblematic monument and witness national pride. This public square stands on the site of the former Church of San Nicolas de Bari. It was from the church’s tower that officials raised the Argentine flag for the first time in 1812.
Th 223-feet (68-meter) tall Obelisco, an icon of the city skyline, rises out of the middle of the square. This stone pillar commemorates the fourth centenary of the first foundation of the city by Pedro de Mendoza in 1536. Read inscriptions that honor historical Argentine events and a sonnet by local poet Baldomero Fernández Moreno.
On both sides of the Obelisco are paved plazas. Position yourself in either to take photos of the landmark and the BA Verde sign, which is made from giant letters cut from shrubs. Sit on the areas of lawn or semi-circular benches and watch the traffic pass by on the 14-lane-wide 9 de Julio Avenue. The coats of arms of the 23 Argentine provinces decorate the lawns.
Day and night the square is a constant hive of activity. Observe as people walk excitedly to the venues of the Avenida Corrientes theater district. Supporters of citywide and the national soccer teams often meet to celebrate victories in major matches. Musicians, such as Argentine rock band Soda Stereo and Ricky Martin, have performed here and it’s a popular gathering point for political rallies.
Located in the San Nicolas neighborhood, the square is easy to reach by using Buenos Aires’s vast network of public transportation. Travel by subway to Carlos Pellegrini station or a catch bus that stops on 9 de Julio Avenue. Bear in mind that an avenue separates the Obelisco from the paved plazas.
Find several other major city attractions within a short walk of Republic Square. Among them are the Casa Rosada government palace and Teatro Colon opera house.
