The National Flag Monument is an Art Deco landmark on the bank of the Paraná River in Rosario, built to commemorate the creation of Argentina's blue-and-white flag. General Manuel Belgrano rests in a crypt beneath it. Inside, displays cover Argentine history, other countries and Antarctica, and there is a small gift shop. A viewing platform at the top looks over the city and the river. Around the monument are a church, a large park and an open esplanade that you can walk through at any hour.
What the monument commemorates
The Monumento Nacional a la Bandera honors the creation of the Argentine flag. It was built on the banks of the Paraná River, on the ground where Manuel Belgrano raised the flag in 1812. It is a National Historic Monument and one of the main symbols of Rosario.
Belgrano, who designed the flag, rests in a crypt beneath the monument. The design is Art Deco, with a high tower rising from a fountain decorated with mythological figures and the wonders of antiquity. The monument is also the one shown on Argentina's ten-peso note.
Inside and at the top
The interior holds historical displays about Argentina and other countries. One section follows how control over Antarctica has changed over time. A small gift shop is on site.
A ticket takes you up to the viewing platform, which looks over the city and the Paraná. The river view is at its best in the evening. Access to the top has changed over the years, so confirm locally that it is open on the day you go.
The entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there is a free parking lot with accessible spaces. The site is also suitable for children.
June 20, National Flag Day
Every June 20 the monument hosts the national ceremony for Flag Day. The president attends a tribute here, and the longest continuous flag in the country is unwrapped and unfurled.
It is the busiest day of the year at the monument. If you want to see the displays and the platform calmly, choose another date. If you want to see the ceremony, plan your timing around it.
The park and the riverfront
Next to the monument are a church, a large park and a wide esplanade. The grounds are open around the clock for walking or sitting, and they have a picnic area. Sunny weekend afternoons and sunny winter mornings are good for photographs.
By the river, small food shops add to the evening scene, and several restaurants are close by.
Continuing north along the coast
The monument is the starting point of a coastal route that heads north. You can walk it, cycle it with the public bike system Mi bici tu bici, or drive it.
The first stops are España Park and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rosario (Macro). Puerto Norte is 2.8 miles (about 4.5 km) from the monument. The route continues to the beaches of La Florida and the Costa Alta lookout, 6.8 miles (about 11 km) away.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is there an entry fee for the National Flag Monument?
Going up to the viewing platform has a ticket. It cost 20 pesos for adults in February 2020, so check the current price before you go. The park and esplanade around the monument are open for walking at any hour.
Can you go up to the top of the monument?
Yes, a ticket gives access to the viewing platform with views of Rosario and the Paraná River. Access has changed over the years, so check locally that it is open on your day.
What happens on June 20 at the monument?
June 20 is National Flag Day. The president attends a tribute, and the country's longest continuous flag is ceremonially unfurled.
Who is buried at the National Flag Monument?
Manuel Belgrano, who designed the Argentine flag, rests in a crypt beneath the monument.
Is the monument accessible and is there parking?
The entrance is wheelchair accessible. There is a free parking lot, including accessible parking.
