Torre Monumental, Buenos Aires

El Torre Monumental (fka The British Clock Tower) is an Elizabethan-style clock tower donated to Buenos Aires by the British after completing the construction of Retiro Railroad Station Complex. It commands spectacular views of the port and railway station from the top.

The British Clock Tower was designed by Sir Ambrose McDonald Poynter and built between 1910 and 1916. It was built by the construction firm, Hopkins and Gardom. The white Portland stone and Leicester bricks used for construction were shipped from England. The technical personnel was also sent from England to supervise construction. The architectural style is Palladian and is adorned with symbols of the British Empire. It is 247 feet high with eight floors.

The defeat in the Falklands war fostered resentment against this clock which suffered vandalism over the years. It still functions but is now surrounded by a fence and is not open for visits. It is located across from Plaza San Martin, which offers a great overview of the clock and the plaza where it is located. However, a relatively short walk down steps and across an avenue will provide a close-up view of the clock and the inscriptions on the tower.

Tip:
To get the best view, go up the steps alongside the Islas Malvinas-Falkland Islands War Memorial to the top of the hill. The vista all around is spectacular and you are at the edge of the beautiful trees of San Martin park/plaza.