Obelisk of Montevideo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Obelisco a los Constituyentes |
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| Artist | José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín |
| Year | 1938 (inauguration) |
| Type | Granite and bronze |
| Location | Montevideo |
The Obelisk of Montevideo is a famous monument in Montevideo, Uruguay. Its full name is Obelisco a los Constituyentes de 1830. A talented artist named José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín designed it.
This tall, three-sided tower is made of strong granite. It stands about 40 metres (130 ft) (131 feet) high. On its sides, you'll see three bronze statues. They represent important ideas: "Law," "Liberty" (freedom), and "Force" (strength). A cool hexagonal water fountain surrounds the obelisk. It has six large spheres around its edge.
You can find the Obelisk where 18 de Julio and Artigas Boulevard meet. This spot is right at the entrance of the Parque Batlle area in Montevideo.
Why Was the Obelisk Built?
The Obelisk was built in 1930. It celebrated a very special event: the 100th anniversary of Uruguay's first Constitution. A country's constitution is like its rulebook. It sets out how the government works and the rights of its citizens.
This monument also honors the people who helped create that first Constitution. They were part of a group called the General Assembly. They worked hard to write the rules for the new country.
A Similar Monument in Buenos Aires
Six years after the Montevideo Obelisk was finished, a similar but larger monument was built. This one is in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It stands at the crossing of 9 de Julio and Corrientes avenues. This bigger obelisk celebrates the 400th anniversary of Buenos Aires being founded for the first time.
See also
- 18 de Julio Avenue
- Artigas Boulevard
- Parque Batlle
- Constitution of Uruguay
