- Address: Plaza de Mayo, C1064AAA CABA, Argentina
- Authors of the project: Pedro Vicente Canete, Joseph Dyuburdie
- Foundation date: May 25, 1811.
- Building Type: obelisk
- Height: 18.76 m
Buenos Aires is an ancient city with an interesting history and unique architecture. Its center is the May Square, decorated with a national monument - the May Pyramid.
History of the May Pyramid
In May 1811, Argentina celebrated the first anniversary of the May Revolution. In honor of this significant event, members of the First Assembly decided to erect a monument that would serve as a symbol of Argentina's freedom. The author of the project was Pedro Vicente Canete.
Over 200 years of existence, the May Pyramid has been under threat of destruction more than once. In its place, they wanted to erect a more majestic monument, but historians and journalists each time managed to protect this obelisk.
Architectural style and features of the May Pyramid
Despite the fact that the solemn opening of the obelisk took place in May 1811, work on its design continued for many more years. Initially, the structure was made in the form of an ordinary pyramid. Only 30 years later the sculptor Prilidiano Puerredon changed the size of the May pyramid, expanding its pedestal. At the same time, the French sculptor Joseph Dyuburdieu cast a statue with a height of 3.6 m, crowning the monument. She depicts a woman in a Phrygian cap that serves as the embodiment of Argentina's freedom. The same sculptor created four statues, symbolizing:
- astronomy;
- geography;
- industry;
- navigation.
Initially, these statues were installed at four corners at the foot of the May Pyramid. In 1972, they were moved to the old area of San Francisco. Now they can be seen at the intersection of Defensa and Alsina streets about 150 meters from the current location of the obelisk.
The modern pyramid of May is a monumental structure, covered with snow-white marble. On its eastern side, which looks at Casa Rosada (the residence of the president of the country) , the golden sun is depicted. On three other sides lined bas-reliefs in the form of laurel wreaths.
Meaning of the May Pyramid
This historical monument has always had an important political and cultural significance for the inhabitants of the country. Near the May Pyramid, social actions, political protests and other public events are regularly held. At her footsteps are depicted images of white women's scarves. They personify mothers whose children have disappeared during the military dictatorship.
In the Argentine cities of La Punta, Campana, Bethlehem and San Jose de Mayo (Uruguay), exact copies of the May pyramid are installed. Almost every second president of Argentina , entering into his powers, intends to transfer or completely demolish this obelisk. According to politicians and historians, this is impossible for the following reasons:
- the monument is the center of Buenos Aires and the starting point from which the construction of the capital began;
- many people connect the May pyramid with the first victories, thereby making it a kind of altar of freedom;
- a simple and laconic memorial reminds us that the real patriots of this country, although they were poor, remained free;
- There is not a single law that would allow the destruction of this national monument.
How to get to the May Pyramid?
Buenos Aires is a modern city with a developed infrastructure, so there are no problems with the choice of transport . The Pyramid of May is located on the Plaza de Mayo, 170 meters from which is the official residence of President of the country - Casa Casa Rosada. This part of the capital can be reached by metro or bus. Just 200 meters from the monument are located just three metro stations - Catedral, Peru and Bolivar. You can reach them by branches A, D and E. Tourists who prefer to travel by bus should take the routes Nos. 24, 64 or 129.