Puerta de Chihuahua, Steel monument at Federal Route 45 north, Chihuahua, Mexico
Puerta de Chihuahua is a steel structure north of the city that rises 43 meters high and weighs 500 tons of orange-painted steel arranged in geometric and architectural forms. The monument functions as a working sundial, with carefully positioned openings that frame views of the modern city below.
Built in 1997, this structure was the first major work created by artist Enrique Carbajal, known as Sebastian, in his native state. The sculpture marked a significant moment in the artist's career and his connection to his hometown.
The monument brings together three architectural ideas: a pyramid base that honors mestizo roots, geometric shapes that reference pre-Hispanic civilizations, and an arch that represents Spanish colonial missions.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when sunlight passes through the structure's openings in the most striking way. The monument sits right beside Federal Route 45, making it easy to stop by car or reach it via local transportation.
The design follows the geometric perspective of the equilateral triangle, a mathematical form the artist deliberately selected for its meaning. The structure also marks specific astronomical moments throughout the year, blending modern art with ancient solar observation methods.
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