Torre Monumental

The Torre Monumental, also known by its original name Torre de los Ingleses, or English tower, is a monumental Renaissance-style clocktower completed in 1916 as a gift from Buenos Aires' British community to celebrate the centenary of Argentina's independence. The bricks and stone used in the construction were imported from England.

The 60-metre tower is the principal landmark in the Plazoleta Fuerza Aerea Argentina, formerly known as Plaza Británica, in the Retiro neighbourhood. Many of the British immigrants in Buenos Aires at the time worked for the British railway company, which ran rail services from the nearby Retiro train station.

Re-opened in 2001, the tower now serves as the information center for the city's museums, and has displays about the tower's history.

The information centre is open Monday - Friday, from 12 noon until 6.00pm.

Access to the tower

The observation deck, which offers a view of the Retiro neighbourhood and Buenos Aires Port, houses the carillon and five bronze bells, the largest of which weighs seven tons. The facade features the shields of the United Kingdom and Argentina and is decorated with a thistle, roses, dragons and clover leafs, representing Scotland, the Tudor rose, Wales and Ireland. The clock was made by the prestigious Gillett & Johnston of Croydon, England, and it plays the Westminster Quarters melody, the same played by Big Ben.

    Monday to Friday: 10.30 to 4pm (last ascent).
    Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays: 9.30am to 6pm (last ascent).
    Entry: general AR$100. Wednesday free.

*The Torre Monumental will be closed on Good Friday, Workers’ Day (May 1), Christmas (December 25) and New Year’s Day (January 1).