In the heart of Argentina’s Pampas region, a unique tribute to enduring love graces the landscape. It’s a guitar-shaped forest spanning approximately two-thirds of a mile. This living monument was cultivated by farmer Pedro Martin Ureda in memory of his late wife, Graciela Yrvizos.
In the early 1970s, Graciela envisioned creating a guitar-shaped design on the farmland after being inspired by aerial views of the region. Tragically, she passed away in 1977 at age 25 before the project could begin. Driven by grief and a desire to honor her memory, Pedro embarked on bringing the dream to life.
“Monumental landscapes often reflect human devotion, but few are as deeply personal as Pedro Ureda’s forest. It merges art, memory, and ecology into a living tribute that will outlast generations,” says Dr. Keith Clarke, landscape historian at the University of Cambridge.
Started in 1979, Pedro, with the assistance of his four children, intricately planted over 7,000 trees to form a detailed guitar shape. Cypress trees outlined the body, while eucalyptus trees represent the trevan strings, creating a striking contrast visible from the sky. Despite the challenges of pests invading the young saplings, Pedro dedicated over four decades to see the dream come to life.
“Trees are not just silent witnesses to our emotions; they embody the stories we weave into them. This guitar-shaped forest is a profound example of how love can take root and flourish in nature,” says Dr. Stefano Mancuso, plant neurobiologist and author of The Revolutionary Genius of Plants.
Today, this verdant guitar has become a landmark, visible even from satellite images, and stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and commitment.
