Buenos Aires
city and capital of Argentina. The city is coextensive with the Federal District (Distrito Federal) and is situated on the shore of the Río de la Plata, 150 miles (240 km) from the Atlantic Ocean. Buenos Aires is one of Latin America’s most important ports and most populous cities, as well as the national centre of commerce, industry, politics, culture, and technology. According to tradition, Spanish colonizer Pedro de Mendoza established the first settlement there, which he named Nuestra Señora Santa María del Buen Aire (“Our Lady St. Mary of the Good Air”). Buenos Aires locals are referred to as porteños (“people of the port”) because so many of the city’s inhabitants historically arrived by boat from Europe. Area city, 78 square miles (203 square km); Greater Buenos Aires, 1,500 square miles (3,885 square km). Pop. (2001) city, 2,776,138; Greater Buenos Aires, 12,046,799; (2010) city, 2,890,151; (2011 est.) Greater Buenos Aires, 13,528,000. This grandiose city with wide avenues and a vibrant cosmopolitan flair is more generally European than Latin American in character. Having little colonial architecture and few landmark buildings, Buenos Aires is chiefly a city of distinctive neighbourhoods that have their own meeting places, generally coffeehouses or bars. Source: www.britannica.com
city and capital of Argentina. The city is coextensive with the Federal District (Distrito Federal) and is situated on the shore of the Río de la Plata, 150 miles (240 km) from the Atlantic Ocean. Buenos Aires is one of Latin America’s most important ports and most populous cities, as well as the national centre of commerce, industry, politics, culture, and technology. According to tradition, Spanish colonizer Pedro de Mendoza established the first settlement there, which he named Nuestra Señora Santa María del Buen Aire (“Our Lady St. Mary of the Good Air”). Buenos Aires locals are referred to as porteños (“people of the port”) because so many of the city’s inhabitants historically arrived by boat from Europe. Area city, 78 square miles (203 square km); Greater Buenos Aires, 1,500 square miles (3,885 square km). Pop. (2001) city, 2,776,138; Greater Buenos Aires, 12,046,799; (2010) city, 2,890,151; (2011 est.) Greater Buenos Aires, 13,528,000. This grandiose city with wide avenues and a vibrant cosmopolitan flair is more generally European than Latin American in character. Having little colonial architecture and few landmark buildings, Buenos Aires is chiefly a city of distinctive neighbourhoods that have their own meeting places, generally coffeehouses or bars. Source: www.britannica.com
Metropolitan Cathedral
is the main Catholic temple in Buenos Aires. From the time of the first adobe chapel in 1593 till the current Cathedral there have been six buildings on this plot serving as Main Temple, but they all had to be renovated due to structural flows and precarious materials. The present church was completed in 1752 and 1852 though the decoration completed in 1911. The neoclassical building has not got the typical cathedral profile as it has no towers and it looks more a classical Greek temple than a typical Catholic temple. The twelve columns of the façade represent Jesus’s twelve apostles. On the right hand side of the interior stands the marble Mausoleum with General San Martin’s remains since 1880, together with the remains of General Guido and General Las Heras and the symbolic Unknown Soldier. The San Martin de Tours chapel on the left sector houses the monument to Archbishop Leon Federico Aneiros, a work by sculptor Victor de Pol, made of Carrara marble and stone with the priest kneeling at the center. The fourteen paintings of the Via Crucis were made by Italian Francesco Domenighini, and were originally housed by the Pilar church. The floor was designed in 1907 by Italian Carlo Morra and made in England in Venetian mosaic. Source: www.buenosaires.travel
is the main Catholic temple in Buenos Aires. From the time of the first adobe chapel in 1593 till the current Cathedral there have been six buildings on this plot serving as Main Temple, but they all had to be renovated due to structural flows and precarious materials. The present church was completed in 1752 and 1852 though the decoration completed in 1911. The neoclassical building has not got the typical cathedral profile as it has no towers and it looks more a classical Greek temple than a typical Catholic temple. The twelve columns of the façade represent Jesus’s twelve apostles. On the right hand side of the interior stands the marble Mausoleum with General San Martin’s remains since 1880, together with the remains of General Guido and General Las Heras and the symbolic Unknown Soldier. The San Martin de Tours chapel on the left sector houses the monument to Archbishop Leon Federico Aneiros, a work by sculptor Victor de Pol, made of Carrara marble and stone with the priest kneeling at the center. The fourteen paintings of the Via Crucis were made by Italian Francesco Domenighini, and were originally housed by the Pilar church. The floor was designed in 1907 by Italian Carlo Morra and made in England in Venetian mosaic. Source: www.buenosaires.travel
Cabildo
was the site of Spain's colonial administration in the city. Originally constructed from adobe and thatch in 1580, the current building was constructed over the second half of the 18th century, witnessed the Argentine Revolution in 1810, and served as an important administrative building during the first century of Argentine independence. The building now houses the National Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution, and displays original artefacts and documents as well as interactive exhibits on the Spanish colonial era, the British invasions of 1806 and 1807, and the early days of independence. The museum was renovated in 2016, and now includes access to the former jail and more historic documents. Source: https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
was the site of Spain's colonial administration in the city. Originally constructed from adobe and thatch in 1580, the current building was constructed over the second half of the 18th century, witnessed the Argentine Revolution in 1810, and served as an important administrative building during the first century of Argentine independence. The building now houses the National Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution, and displays original artefacts and documents as well as interactive exhibits on the Spanish colonial era, the British invasions of 1806 and 1807, and the early days of independence. The museum was renovated in 2016, and now includes access to the former jail and more historic documents. Source: https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
Casa Rosada
Dominating the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada - or pink house - is the seat of the Argentine national government and houses the president's office. Scene of much of the city's history, it was from the balconies of the Casa Rosada that Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the masses during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The Casa Rosada was constructed on the site of a fort established by the Spanish in 1580 and used by the Spanish colonial viceroys. After independence, the fort was redeveloped into a customs house by British architect Edward Taylor, and later, in 1862, the building was chosen by President Bartolomé Mitre to be the seat of his government. His successor Domingo Faustino Sarmiento later expanded the building and is believed to have ordered it to be painted pink in an attempt to diffuse political tensions by mixing the colours of the opposing political parties (the Federals used red, while the Unitarians used white). Another popular explanation for the building's distinctive colour is that it was at one painted with cows' blood as an alternative to paint because paint pealed in the humidity. The central archway was designed by Italian architect Francisco Tamburini, who was also responisble for the original design of the Colon Theatre, and was completed in 1890.
Museo de la Casa Rosada
This museum occupies the exact space where the original fort of Buenos Aires stood, and later the Taylor customs office. You can still see the remains of the old brick walls. The museum covers 200 years of Argentine history, from the revolution of independence of May 1810 until today. It also contains artistic exhibits, including Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros' acclaimed “Ejercicio Plástico”. Source: https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
Dominating the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada - or pink house - is the seat of the Argentine national government and houses the president's office. Scene of much of the city's history, it was from the balconies of the Casa Rosada that Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the masses during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The Casa Rosada was constructed on the site of a fort established by the Spanish in 1580 and used by the Spanish colonial viceroys. After independence, the fort was redeveloped into a customs house by British architect Edward Taylor, and later, in 1862, the building was chosen by President Bartolomé Mitre to be the seat of his government. His successor Domingo Faustino Sarmiento later expanded the building and is believed to have ordered it to be painted pink in an attempt to diffuse political tensions by mixing the colours of the opposing political parties (the Federals used red, while the Unitarians used white). Another popular explanation for the building's distinctive colour is that it was at one painted with cows' blood as an alternative to paint because paint pealed in the humidity. The central archway was designed by Italian architect Francisco Tamburini, who was also responisble for the original design of the Colon Theatre, and was completed in 1890.
Museo de la Casa Rosada
This museum occupies the exact space where the original fort of Buenos Aires stood, and later the Taylor customs office. You can still see the remains of the old brick walls. The museum covers 200 years of Argentine history, from the revolution of independence of May 1810 until today. It also contains artistic exhibits, including Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros' acclaimed “Ejercicio Plástico”. Source: https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
Palacio Barolo
The Palace Barolo is a landmark office building in the Monserrat neighbourhood, that hides a number of curiosities.The building was designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti for the businessman Luigi Barolo, with several curious architectural references to classical poet Dante Alighieri´s Divine Comedy. Palenti also incorporated Indian influences into his design. Inaugurated in 1923, the building was the tallest in South America until the construction of the Kavanagh building in 1935. It was the first reinforced concrete building measuring more than 100m and is topped by a lighthouse which, in 1923 was used to transmit the result of a world title boxing match between Luis Angel Firpo and Jack Dempsey in New York. Palenti later designed a sister building in Montevideo, across the Rio de la Plata river. Source: https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
The Palace Barolo is a landmark office building in the Monserrat neighbourhood, that hides a number of curiosities.The building was designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti for the businessman Luigi Barolo, with several curious architectural references to classical poet Dante Alighieri´s Divine Comedy. Palenti also incorporated Indian influences into his design. Inaugurated in 1923, the building was the tallest in South America until the construction of the Kavanagh building in 1935. It was the first reinforced concrete building measuring more than 100m and is topped by a lighthouse which, in 1923 was used to transmit the result of a world title boxing match between Luis Angel Firpo and Jack Dempsey in New York. Palenti later designed a sister building in Montevideo, across the Rio de la Plata river. Source: https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
Recoleta Cemetery
Located at the top of the hilly Plaza Francia, the cemetery gate is suitably grand: large white Greek pillars mark the entrance to the ‘City of the Dead.’ With over 6400 of them built in varying styles, they range from fairly plain, to intricately detailed, to powerfully imposing and spectacular. Many are unquestionably works of art. Bold crosses, cathedral-like domes and winged angels are the recurring adornments to these lavish resting places. A feeling of wealth and power abounds; only the most influential Argentines earn themselves a ticket to the Recoleta Cemetery once they have shuffled off this mortal coil. The names chiseled onto the vaults exude importance, even if you don’t know who most of them are. Literary laureates, mythical sportsmen and artists rub stoney shoulders with presidents and other luminaries. Often the tombs pertain to important families, and several family members occupy the same vault. Source: http://wander-argentina.com
Located at the top of the hilly Plaza Francia, the cemetery gate is suitably grand: large white Greek pillars mark the entrance to the ‘City of the Dead.’ With over 6400 of them built in varying styles, they range from fairly plain, to intricately detailed, to powerfully imposing and spectacular. Many are unquestionably works of art. Bold crosses, cathedral-like domes and winged angels are the recurring adornments to these lavish resting places. A feeling of wealth and power abounds; only the most influential Argentines earn themselves a ticket to the Recoleta Cemetery once they have shuffled off this mortal coil. The names chiseled onto the vaults exude importance, even if you don’t know who most of them are. Literary laureates, mythical sportsmen and artists rub stoney shoulders with presidents and other luminaries. Often the tombs pertain to important families, and several family members occupy the same vault. Source: http://wander-argentina.com
Puerto Madero
is the newest neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Its characteristic historic port buildings made of bricks and old iron crains combine with modern luxurious low rises, fancy restaurants and glass walled skyscrapers. Was the old commercial port of Buenos Aires. Its picturesque industrial brick buildings have been refurbished to host universities, restaurants, offices and residence. On the other side of the canal the docks are faced by low rises and a modern skyline of luxurios buildings. Puente de la Mujer (Women's Bridge). This landmark makes the classic postcard of Puerto Madero. It is a bridge built by the famous Spanish architect Santiago de Calatarava in 2001. The abstract design is a synthesis of a couple dancing tango. Puente de la Mujer honors all the argentine women who were important part of our history. Right next to the bridge you will find the Fragata Sarmiento, a historic ship that served for the Argentina Navy. Today the ship serves as a museum with nautical tools. Next to the canal you will find the Colección de Arte Fortabat, the most important museum in Puerto Madero with works of Andy Warhol, William Turner and some of the best Argentine Painters. Source: www.buenosairesfreewalks.com
is the newest neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Its characteristic historic port buildings made of bricks and old iron crains combine with modern luxurious low rises, fancy restaurants and glass walled skyscrapers. Was the old commercial port of Buenos Aires. Its picturesque industrial brick buildings have been refurbished to host universities, restaurants, offices and residence. On the other side of the canal the docks are faced by low rises and a modern skyline of luxurios buildings. Puente de la Mujer (Women's Bridge). This landmark makes the classic postcard of Puerto Madero. It is a bridge built by the famous Spanish architect Santiago de Calatarava in 2001. The abstract design is a synthesis of a couple dancing tango. Puente de la Mujer honors all the argentine women who were important part of our history. Right next to the bridge you will find the Fragata Sarmiento, a historic ship that served for the Argentina Navy. Today the ship serves as a museum with nautical tools. Next to the canal you will find the Colección de Arte Fortabat, the most important museum in Puerto Madero with works of Andy Warhol, William Turner and some of the best Argentine Painters. Source: www.buenosairesfreewalks.com
Kirchner Cultural Center
A cultural space located in the City of Buenos Aires, at the emblematic building of the former Post Office Palace, which 1,076,391ft², currently hosts the main expressions of Argentine art and culture. This modern, broad and diverse cultural center is devoted to visual arts, scenic arts, education and other artistic manifestations, both local and regional. Its main target is to promote inclusion, popular participation and the community’s access to our cultural assets. Among its main attraction we can mention the Blue Whale, a huge room for symphonic music for 1,750 spectators; a Chamber Music Hall for 540 people and a hanging glazed structure that emulates a Great Lamp sustained from a Vierendeel beams frame. Apart from diverse auditoriums, The Dome –a place for multiple uses- outstands with an incredible panoramic view of the City. With a great quality activity schedule, an infrastructure in line with the most important cultural centers in the world and equipped with the latest technology, the Kirchner Cultural Center positions itself as the “culture’s heart”. Source: www.argentina.travel
A cultural space located in the City of Buenos Aires, at the emblematic building of the former Post Office Palace, which 1,076,391ft², currently hosts the main expressions of Argentine art and culture. This modern, broad and diverse cultural center is devoted to visual arts, scenic arts, education and other artistic manifestations, both local and regional. Its main target is to promote inclusion, popular participation and the community’s access to our cultural assets. Among its main attraction we can mention the Blue Whale, a huge room for symphonic music for 1,750 spectators; a Chamber Music Hall for 540 people and a hanging glazed structure that emulates a Great Lamp sustained from a Vierendeel beams frame. Apart from diverse auditoriums, The Dome –a place for multiple uses- outstands with an incredible panoramic view of the City. With a great quality activity schedule, an infrastructure in line with the most important cultural centers in the world and equipped with the latest technology, the Kirchner Cultural Center positions itself as the “culture’s heart”. Source: www.argentina.travel
Iglesia San Nicolás de Bari
Nuestra Señora del Socorro Church