Obelisk of Montevideo, Montevideo

The Obelisk of Montevideo, officially known as the Obelisk to the Constituents of 1830, is a prominent monument in Montevideo, crafted by the renowned sculptor José Luis Zorrilla de San Martín. Standing at a height of 40 meters (approximately 130 feet), this granite obelisk is distinguished by its three-sided structure, each side adorned with bronze statues symbolizing "Law," "Liberty," and "Force." Surrounding the obelisk is a hexagonal water fountain, which features six spheres along its perimeter, enhancing its aesthetic and historical appeal.

Strategically located at the bustling intersection of July 18th Avenue and Artigas Boulevard, the monument marks the entrance to the Parque Batlle area, a central zone in the city. It was erected in 1930 to commemorate the centennial of Uruguay's first Constitution, paying tribute to the General Assembly's participants who played a role in the establishment of this foundational document.

The Obelisk of Montevideo not only serves as a historical marker but also as a site of significant cultural and political importance. In 1983, it was the focal point for the largest demonstration in Uruguay's history, the Río de Libertad, which called for an end to the civil-military dictatorship that had gripped the country.

This monument's influence and symbolic value are underscored by its architectural echoes in the region, notably the similar but larger monument constructed six years later at the intersection of July 9th and Corrientes avenues in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This structure was built to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Buenos Aires' founding, demonstrating the shared cultural and historical themes across these South American capitals.