Torre Monumental facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Torre Monumental |
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| Location | Retiro, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Height | 75.5 metres (248 ft) |
| Built | May 24, 1916 |
| Built for | Monument |
| Restored | 2006 |
| Architect | Sir Ambrose Macdonald Poynter |
The Torre Monumental is a famous clock tower in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Its name means "Monumental Tower" in Spanish. It used to be called the Torre de los Ingleses, which means "Tower of the English".
You can find this tall tower in the Retiro area of Buenos Aires. It stands in Plaza Fuerza Aérea Argentina, a square that was once known as Plaza Británica. The tower was a special gift from the British people living in Argentina. They gave it to the city to celebrate 100 years since the May Revolution in 1810.
After a conflict in 1982, the tower's name was officially changed. However, some people still call it by its old name, Torre de los Ingleses.
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Building the Tower: A Gift to the City
The idea for the tower started on September 18, 1909. The Argentine government passed a law about a gift from British residents. They wanted to build a large monument to remember 100 years of the May Revolution. Even though they first thought of a column, it became a clock tower instead.
In 1910, there was a competition to design the tower. Many ideas were shown at a place called the Salón del Bon Marché. An English architect named Sir Ambrose Macdonald Poynter won the competition. He was related to the founder of a famous British architecture group.
The company Hopkins y Gardom built the tower. They brought materials all the way from England. This included white Portland stone and special bricks. The skilled workers who built it also came from England.
Delays and the Grand Opening
The tower's construction faced some delays. King Edward VII of the United Kingdom passed away suddenly in 1910. This caused Britain to cancel its plans for the 100-year celebrations. So, the first stone of the tower was not placed until November 26, 1910.
Other delays happened because a gas company was using the square until 1912. Then, World War I started in 1914, causing more delays. Finally, the tower was officially opened on May 24, 1916. The President of Argentina, Victorino de la Plaza, and important British guests were there.
Changes and Restoration
In 1982, there was a conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom. This led to strong feelings against Britain in Argentina. Because of this, the tower's name was changed to Torre Monumental. The square where it stands, Plaza Británica, was also renamed Plaza Fuerza Aérea Argentina (Argentine Air Force Square).
The tower faced some challenges during this time. In November 1984, there was a small explosion at its base. Luckily, the tower only had minor damage.
Later, from 1996 to 1999, the tower was carefully repaired. It was opened to the public again. A new glass lift was installed, using the original British lift machinery. This lift takes visitors up to the 6th floor. From there, you can see great views of the Retiro area, the train station, and the Port of Buenos Aires. You can also see the clock's pendulum on the 7th floor.
In 2006, the tower was closed for some technical work. Sometimes, people write anti-British messages on the tower, but it is regularly cleaned and maintained.
What the Tower Looks Like
The Torre Monumental is built in a style called Palladian. This means it has a classic and grand design. The building has decorations that represent parts of the British Empire. You can see the thistle for Scotland, the rose for England, the dragon for Wales, and the shamrock for Ireland.
The tower is very tall, reaching about 75.5 m (247 ft 8+1⁄2 in) high. It has eight floors inside. The clocks are located at about 35 m (114 ft 10 in) up. The bells inside the tower were made to sound like the famous bells at Westminster Abbey in London.
At the very top, the tower has an eight-sided copper roof. Above the main entrance, you can see the shields of Argentina and Great Britain. There is also an inscription that says: "To the health of the great Argentine people, from the British residents, May 25, 1810–1910." This message shows the tower was a gift to celebrate Argentina's history.
Gallery
See also
In Spanish: Torre Monumental para niños
