Known worldwide due to the terrible terrorist attacks that occurred in 2001, the World Trade Center (WTC) was the complex where the Twin Towers were located, a symbol of the power of the American economy since its opening in 1973.
On September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was devastated, taking the lives of nearly 3,000 people and leaving more than 6,000 injured who were scarred for life.
The place where the events occurred then became a huge crater filled with works with a promising future, which came to be called "Ground Zero".
The World Trade Center area is now almost completely renovated and has several newly constructed buildings.
These are some of the most outstanding places to visit:
After the destruction of the Twin Towers and the demolition of some adjacent buildings, the area had to be completely rebuilt. Among the new steel, glass, and concrete structures, One World Trade Center, a bright and dynamic building inaugurated in 2014 that has become one of the city's main landmarks.
The main building of the new World Trade Center offers a bird's-eye view of the city's pulse from its observation decks on three of its upper floors. The views from the One World Observatory are spectacular, but the historical and emotional significance of the building and its surroundings are also important. If you plan to visit, it's essential to buy tickets in advance.
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Paying homage to the past and trying to fill the future with hope, the 9/11 Memorial is a haven of peace in the heart of the city that features 400 white oak trees and stunning waterfalls that fill two pools representing the missing twin towers.
Opened in May 2014, the 9/11 Museum pays tribute to the nearly 3,000 victims of the tragic events. The museum features photographs, audio recordings, some of the vehicles used on the day of the disaster, and countless other items that transport visitors back to the terrifying moment of the attacks.
Oculus
Located a few meters from the museum, it is the most expensive subway and commuter rail station in the world; its construction required approximately $4 billion, according to data from the Port Authority of New York. It opened in March 2016, and its design evokes the skeleton of a gigantic animal, but according to statements by the architect in charge of the project, Santiago Calatrava, it alludes to a bird being released by a child's hand.
The “Oculus”, as the controversial project is called, connects up to 11 different subway lines with the train line that links New York to New Jersey, allows underground access to the main towers of the WTC and houses a shopping center and restaurants.
Sources: El Financiero/Civitatis New York.
