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To this day, Avenida 9 de Julio in Argentina still holds the title of "World's Widest Avenue". Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Avenida 9 de Julio, the world's widest avenue, is not only famous for its immense size but also for its fascinating historical story, reflecting the glorious era and grand ambitions of the Argentine capital.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Buenos Aires was dubbed the "Paris of South America," a vibrant, luxurious, and modern city. To solidify this reputation, the local government launched several ambitious architectural projects, inspired by iconic European buildings.
The world's widest road
One of the most notable projects is the 9 de Julio Avenue. Initially, this project was simply a copy of Paris's famous Champs-Elysees. However, the ambitions of the people of Buenos Aires did not stop there. They wanted to create an even wider and more impressive avenue, affirming the city's status and remarkable development.
The sheer scale of this road surprises many tourists.
Construction of the 9 de Julio Avenue began in 1937, spanning multiple phases and taking nearly half a century to complete. Due to its massive scale and central city location, the project faced numerous difficulties and challenges. The authorities were forced to relocate many buildings and address complex traffic and infrastructure issues.
However, with relentless effort, 9 de Julio Avenue was finally completed in the 1980s, becoming a symbol of Buenos Aires' remarkable development and international stature. With a width of 140 meters and 16 lanes, this avenue has officially been recognized by Guinness World Records as the widest road in the world.
It was a massive project, taking almost half a century to complete. In 1980, Avenida 9 de Julio was officially opened to traffic. Currently, it still holds the record for being the widest boulevard in the world.
To create enough space for the largest boulevard in the city center, 60,000 square meters of land had to be demolished.2properties, along with the relocation of thousands of residents.
The multi-lane boulevard runs through the heart of Buenos Aires.
A TikToker recently filmed herself walking from one side of Avenida 9 de Julio to the other, and it took her 4 minutes and 17 seconds (including traffic light waiting time). For comparison, the average time to cross the avenue is only 25 seconds.
It's not easy to travel on this road.
Located along this avenue are neatly planned buildings. To the south of the avenue stands the Constitución train station, while to the north are the French Embassy with its distinctly European architecture, and the Teatro Colón – one of Buenos Aires' most beautiful buildings. In the middle of the avenue is the 70-meter-high Obelisco, erected to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Buenos Aires' founding.
Today, 9 de Julio Avenue is not only an important transportation route but also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Visitors can experience the vibrant energy of the city, admire unique architectural structures, and immerse themselves in the modern life of Buenos Aires.
9 de Julio Avenue is a monumental architectural masterpiece, deeply rooted in the history and culture of Buenos Aires. It is not only a symbol of prosperity and modernity but also a testament to the vision and ambition of the Argentinian people.
