Piramide de Mayo in Buenos Aires is the oldest national monument in the city, build to commemorate the country’s May Revolution of 1810.
The monument, located on the famous Plaza de Mayo, was completed for the first anniversary celebrations of the May Revolution, in 1811.
The monument was commissioned to be done by the Primara Junta, in power at the time.
At the top of 18.76 m tall monument you’ll be able to see an allegorical representation of freedom, in the form of the goddess of freedom, Libertas…an artwork by Joseph Dubourdieu, a French sculptor.
PHOTO: Pirámide de Mayo monument within Plaza de Mayo, build on the same location that played a central role in the events of the 1810 revolution. Even today, the square is the most important place for public demonstrations in Buenos Aires.
PHOTO: A closeup of Libertas, the goddess of freedom, an artwork byJoseph Dubourdieu…wearing a symbolical Phrygian cap.
PHOTO: Plaza de Mayo square photographed from next to Casa Rosada (the presidential palace). White palace in the background is Buenos Aires Cabildo, a former administrative building, now housing a museum.
Construction work on Piramide de Mayo commenced during March of 1811, with the monument being completed the next month…
…just in time for the first anniversary of the May Revolution of 1810.
The monument was rebuild in 1856, under the guidance of Prilidiano Pueyrredón, a local artist. During this reconstruction, the monument received its current shape, a pyramid.
Later, in 1912, the monument was moved 63 meters, to the center of Plaza de Mayo, its current location.
Pirámide de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires
Other major Buenos Aires tourist attractions surrounding the square include…
- the equestrian statue for General Manuel Belgrano,
- Buenos Aires Cabildo (now a museum), and
- Catedral Metropolitana church.