Argentina · Tierra del Fuego · Ushuaia
Malvinas Memorial · Fallen Soldiers Monument · End of the World
📍 Patagonia 48, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
📞
🏛️ Park · War Memorial
01
Plaza Islas Malvinas (Malvinas Islands Square) stands on the shores of the Beagle Channel in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Province, Argentina. It is one of the country's most important and symbolic memorials to the Malvinas/Falklands War. The 1982 Malvinas War Between 2 April and 14 June 1982, the Malvinas War (Guerra de Malvinas / Falklands War) was fought between Argentina and the United Kingdom, lasting 74 days. The conflict resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine servicemen and 255 British servicemen. Since the war's end, Argentina has consistently pursued its sovereignty claim over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands through diplomatic channels. The Special Status of Ushuaia Within Argentina's administrative structure, Ushuaia serves as the capital of the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands. Under Argentine law, Ushuaia is nominally designated as the capital of the Malvinas Islands, giving this "southernmost city in the world" an irreplaceable political and emotional role in the Malvinas issue. The Plaza's Creation and Significance Plaza Islas Malvinas was built in downtown Ushuaia on the Beagle Channel waterfront. Its centrepiece is a black marble memorial wall inscribed with the names of the 649 Argentine soldiers who lost their lives in the Malvinas War. Before the wall burns the Eternal Flame (Llama Eterna) — a permanently lit torch symbolising undying remembrance. The square also features the flags of Argentina and Tierra del Fuego Province, and a large relief map of the Malvinas Islands set into the ground. 2 April — Malvinas Day Every 2 April, Argentina observes "Malvinas War Veterans and Fallen Soldiers Day" (Día del Veterano y de los Caídos en la Guerra de Malvinas). On this date, thousands of war veterans, bereaved families and ordinary citizens travel from across the country to this plaza for an all-night vigil (Vigilia) and solemn commemorative ceremonies — keeping alive the memory of the war and the young lives lost in it.
Plaza Islas Malvinas is more than a physical space — it carries profound emotional significance for the Argentine nation. These three themes help understand the deeper symbolism of this memorial.
The Eternal Flame (Llama Eterna) at the heart of the plaza is the most moving element of the Malvinas memorial. Since its lighting, it has never been extinguished — burning through snow, bitter cold and darkness in Ushuaia's windswept waterfront.
The flame symbolises more than mourning for the fallen — it conveys a deeper conviction: that Argentina's claim to sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands has never ceased. As locals say: 'As long as the flame burns, we will not forget.'
During the 2 April vigil each year, war veterans and bereaved families stand in silence around the eternal flame throughout the night, guarding this undying fire of memory.
Ushuaia is known as the southernmost city in the world (La Ciudad Más Austral del Mundo), and Plaza Islas Malvinas sits on this frontier city's waterfront. From the plaza you look out over the deep waters of the Beagle Channel towards the snow-capped Darwin Range in Chile.
Geographically, the monument's location is itself deeply symbolic. The Argentine soldiers who fell in the Malvinas War came from every corner of the country; their lives ended in the frigid waters of the South Atlantic. Ushuaia — this "city at the end of the world" — is the closest home they have.
The plaza stands like a silent guardian, facing south, gazing towards the islands that Argentines call "the Malvinas."
Every one of the 649 names carved into the black marble memorial wall represents a real, once-living young person. Among them were 18-year-old conscripts, pilots, marines, and officers.
Many Argentine families travel each year from inland provinces to Ushuaia to find their loved one's name on the wall, leaving a flower or a small flag. For the families of the fallen, this plaza is the closest place they can come to their relatives — because from here, facing south, the Malvinas Islands lie just across the sea.
The plaza has thus become a vital healing space for Argentina's national trauma — a place where personal grief and collective national memory converge.
02
Though modest in size, Plaza Islas Malvinas is compactly and thoughtfully designed. Perched on the waterfront, its centrepiece is the black marble memorial wall, with other monuments arranged along the coastal walkway.
The plaza adopts an open design facing the Beagle Channel. Three principal elements form its core: ① Fallen Soldiers Memorial Wall — a black marble wall listing the 649 fallen in alphabetical order; ② Eternal Flame (Llama Eterna) — a permanently burning torch placed directly before the memorial wall; ③ Malvinas Islands Relief Map — a large topographical representation of the archipelago set into the ground. Flagpoles carrying the Argentine national flag and the Tierra del Fuego provincial flag flank the plaza. Native hardy plants have been planted around the perimeter, blending the memorial into Ushuaia's coastal landscape.
The plaza embodies the principle of “memory in harmony with nature”. The black memorial wall creates a stark visual contrast with the surrounding snow-capped mountains, symbolising the weight of war and the value of peace. The orange glow of the Eternal Flame stands out vividly in Ushuaia's often overcast climate, visible day and night. The monument faces south — towards the Malvinas Islands. The designer deliberately aligned the plaza's main axis on a northeast–southwest orientation, so that as visitors stand before the memorial they naturally face the islands that hold such a powerful place in Argentine hearts.
The plaza sits directly on Ushuaia's coastal promenade (Costanera). After visiting, you can stroll along the Beagle Channel. Directly opposite the plaza is the “Espacio Pensar Malvinas” — a historical exhibition space run by Ushuaia Tourism that offers in-depth displays and official guided tours on the background of the Malvinas War. Nearby also stands the Maritime Museum of Ushuaia (Museo Marítimo de Ushuaia).
03
Plaza Islas Malvinas blends solemn commemoration, deep historical education and Ushuaia's breathtaking natural scenery. The following experiences are appreciated by history enthusiasts, veterans' families and general visitors alike.
Approach the black marble wall and read through the 649 names. Each name represents a young life. We suggest pausing before the wall for a moment of silence in tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives. Many visitors leave a flower or a small flag.
Day or night, the Eternal Flame burns in Ushuaia's sea breeze. The fire is particularly moving against the backdrop of black marble. Maintain a respectful distance and quietly observe this undying flame of remembrance and the national memory it carries.
Adjacent to the plaza, the Espacio Pensar Malvinas is a free exhibition space managed by Ushuaia Tourism. Through photographs, artefacts, maps and audiovisual materials, it offers an in-depth exploration of the 1982 war's historical background and the islands' geography and culture.
After visiting the plaza, walk along Ushuaia's waterfront Costanera. The Beagle Channel offers stunning views — the Darwin Range of Chile rises on the distant shore, and sea lions and albatrosses can often be spotted. It is the perfect transition from solemn history back to the present moment.
04
Plaza Islas Malvinas is one of Argentina's most significant war memorials. As an independent non-profit educational guide, we ask all visitors to treat this sacred space with the utmost respect.
05
The power of Plaza Islas Malvinas lies at the intersection of profound human memory and sublime natural beauty. On one side, 649 names on black marble; on the other, the eternal ebb and flow of the Beagle Channel — two images below capture this encounter between gravity and eternity.
Solemn Memorial
Beagle Channel Vista
06
As a public open space, Plaza Islas Malvinas is open year-round and completely free. Whether you are visiting specifically to pay respects or stopping by during your Ushuaia travels, the following information will help you plan a meaningful visit.
07
08
09
Voices from Plaza Islas Malvinas: Real Google Maps Testimonies
Un lugar profundamente conmovedor. La llama eterna frente al muro de mármol negro con los nombres de los 649 caídos es imposible de describir con palabras. Imprescindible en Ushuaia.
Hermoso y emotivo memorial justo en la costanera. Las vistas del Canal Beagle desde aquí son espectaculares. Muy bien mantenido y cuidado. Un espacio de respeto y memoria.
Memoriale toccante nel cuore di Ushuaia. La Fiamma Eterna che arde giorno e notte sul Canale di Beagle è un'immagine che non si dimentica. Da visitare con il dovuto rispetto.
站在比格尔海峡边的马尔维纳斯广场，黑色大理石墙上649个名字和长明火让人肃然起敬。这里是了解阿根廷民族情感的最佳窗口，强烈推荐所有来到乌斯怀亚的旅行者到访。
A solemn and beautifully maintained memorial right on the waterfront. The eternal flame is striking against the Beagle Channel backdrop. Walking here from downtown Ushuaia is easy.
Como argentino, visitar este lugar fue muy emotivo. Encontrar el nombre de un familiar en la pared de mármol fue un momento que nunca olvidaré. La vista del canal es increíble.
After visiting Plaza Islas Malvinas, you can easily explore the following nearby destinations:
About a 10-minute walk from the plaza. Showcases the natural history and indigenous cultures of Tierra del Fuego — the best place to understand Ushuaia's past and present.
Housed in the former prison building, featuring exhibitions on Ushuaia's penal-colony history, Antarctic exploration, and a dedicated section on the Malvinas War.
About 12 km from the city, Argentina's southernmost national park. Ride the End of the World Train (Tren del Fin del Mundo) into the park and enjoy pristine forests and Beagle Channel views.
10
Learn More About Plaza Islas Malvinas
Plaza Islas Malvinas (Malvinas Islands Square) is located on the Beagle Channel waterfront in Ushuaia, Argentina. It is one of the country's most important memorials to the 1982 Malvinas/Falklands War. The plaza features a black marble memorial wall inscribed with the names of 649 Argentine soldiers who perished in the war, with an eternal flame burning before it.
Plaza Islas Malvinas is a public open space belonging to the city of Ushuaia. It is completely free of charge and requires no ticket. The plaza is open 24 hours a day, year-round, with night-time lighting. The area can become extremely crowded around 2 April (Malvinas Day), so plan accordingly.
This is a war memorial — please maintain silence and respect the monument installations. Do not climb on the memorial wall or cross the Eternal Flame barriers. Turn off your camera flash. Ushuaia's weather is changeable — dress warmly in windproof clothing. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.
Fly from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH), a flight of about 3.5 hours. From the airport, take a taxi or ride-share about 10–15 minutes (4 km) to reach Plaza Islas Malvinas downtown. Long-distance buses also connect Ushuaia with other Argentine cities, though the journey from Buenos Aires takes about 36 hours.
The 'Espacio Pensar Malvinas' (Thinking Malvinas Space) is a free exhibition space adjacent to the plaza, managed by Ushuaia Municipal Tourism. Through photographs, artefacts, maps and audiovisual materials, it offers an in-depth exploration of the 1982 war's historical background, geography and cultural significance. Check turismoushuaia.com for opening hours.
11
Patagonia 48, V9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego Argentina
View on Google Maps12
Hover over (or tap) the markers on the map below to explore the five core areas of Plaza Islas Malvinas.
13
Half an hour is enough for the core memorial visit. Use the timeline below as a guide and adjust to your own pace.
Walk from downtown Ushuaia along the Costanera; take in the full view of the plaza and Beagle Channel from the entrance.
Approach the black marble wall, quietly read the names of the fallen, leave a flower or observe a moment of silence.
Pause before the Eternal Flame and take in the national memory this undying fire represents.
Visit 'Espacio Pensar Malvinas' (if open) for a deeper understanding of the 1982 war's historical context.
Walk along the Costanera, enjoy Beagle Channel views and gaze at the snow-capped Darwin Range in the distance.
