Category Archives: Architecture
Top Buenos Aires Views
(Photo by J)
Palacio Barolo: This architectural landmark, full of references to poet Dante Alighieri, began its construction in 1919, destined to be the tallest structure in Latin America at the time. The view from the top balcony is stunning, so much so that they offer a New Year midnight tour to see the fireworks from one of the best vantage points in the city. Guided tours are available Mondays and Thursdays from 4pm to 7pm, and evening guided tours on Mondays and Wednesdays at 8pm and Thursdays at 8.30pm include tasting of an awarded wine and a national delicacy. Av de Mayo 1370 9° P. Esc. 249/52. Tel/Fax: (54-11) 4381-1885. info@palaciobarolotours.com.ar
Galeria Guemes: This historic gallery, considered to be the city’s first skyscraper, where Antoine de Saint Exupery used to spend much of his time, and where Julio Cortazar set his story “The Other Sky”, has the only 360° view of the city. Unfortunately it is not always open to the public, and will be closed until spring. Florida 165, Downtown. 4331-3041.
Hotel Panamericano: This lavish downtown hotel overlooks the 9 de Julio Avenue, the Obelisk and the Colón Theatre. It has a privileged view at the top floor where the solarium and spa are, and the Buenos Aires program “Miradores de Buenos Aires” often does tours to visit the stunning location (book your place with one of their tours at 4323-9400, int. 2756). Carlos Pelegrini 551, downtown. 4348-5000.
Reserva Ecologica: The ecologic reserve in Puerto Madero has one of the best views of the city, albeit from the ground. This is one of the best spots to see the sunset behind the backlit city buildings, framed by leafy trees. The ecologic reserve is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday and can be toured on weekends from 9.30am-4pm. One Friday a month, the closest to a full moon, a nocturnal tour of the reserve is organized. To participate you must call to sign up on the previous Monday. Av. Tristán Achával Rodríguez 1550, Puerto Madero. 4893-1588/ 4893 -1597 int. 108. reserva_cs@buenosaires.gov.ar
Day Trip to La Plata
(Photo by mccopa)
La Plata is the capital of Buenos Aires province. It is commonly referred to as the “ciudad de los tilos” (linden city) because its streets and squares are lined with linden trees. Its most common nickname however, is “ciudad de las diagonales” (city of diagonals), because urban planner Pedro Benoit, designed its unique city grid full of diagonal streets with small parks or squares every six blocks. It also has rich architecture including a Le Corbusier building, the Catedral de La Plata, which is the largest church in Argentina, and La Plata University, which includes an observatory and a natural history museum, amongst others.
Some places to visit:
Museo de Ciencias Naturales de La Plata: This famous natural sciences museum has a permanent exhibit that traces the history of life from the inorganic to the organic and concluding with mankind and culture. It showcases over 2,500,000 objects including dinosaur fossils. Open Tue-Sun from 10am-6pm. Tickets 6pesos. Paseo del Bosque S/Nº. La Plata. (54-221) 425-7744 / 9161 / 9638. museo@museo.fcnym.unlp.edu.ar.
Catedral Metropolitana de La Plata: This stunning New Gothic style church is the largest in Argentina, and has 37 French and German vitraux, impressive carvings and religious icons and an ecclesiastic museum. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm and Sundays from 9am-8pm. calle 14 between 51 and 53. La Plata. museocatedral@speedy.com.ar.
Casa Curutchet: Swiss architect Le Corbusier built this house for Dr. Curutchet between 1949 and 1953. Now a day it is leased to the Colegio de Arquitectos and can be visited from Tuesday- Friday between 10am-2pm. Entry fee: 40 pesos. 53 Street # 320. La Plata. – Buenos Aires – Argentina. casacurutchet@capba.org.ar.
Parque Provincial Pereyra Iraola: This natural reserve on the outskirts of La Plata city once belonged to the aristocratic Pereyra Iraola family. The premises, which spread over 10,000 hectares, have over 100 tree species, and are commonly visited for bird-watching and horseback riding. It is also an architectural landmark as it has a pampa-style estancia from the 1800’s, where the family lived.
República de Los Niños: This Disney-style children’s theme park on the outskirts of La Plata was built in the early fifties for civic learning. The team of architects based the design on stories by Hans Christian Andersen, the Grimm brothers and legends by Tennyson and Mallory. The park also includes a doll museum with dolls from all over the world. The theme park can be visited every day from 10am-6pm and costs 10pesos to get in. Camino General Belgrano and 501, M. B. Gonnet, La Plata. 0221-484-1409.
How to get to La Plata:
The best option is to take a long distance bus from Retiro, which takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic and on the bus. Buses leave every twenty minutes from the Retiro bus terminal, and tickets cost 20 pesos for the fast bus and 10 pesos for the slower bus that also stops at Constitucion. The bus service is Terminal Costera linea 195 and the timetable is available here.
Another option, which takes longer, is to take the train from the Constitución Train Station. See timetable here.
There is also an English Tour of La Plata with hotel pick-up and drop-off. More information here.
5 Emblematic City Landmarks
Obelisco: This Buenos Aires icon at the center of the emblematic 9 de Julio avenue in the heart of the city is a well-known city landmark. It has been standing since 1936 and was built to celebrate the foundation of the city. The obelisk has since functioned as a meeting point to celebrate world-cup football wins, and to stage shows such as Julio Bocca’s last dance and a Placido Domingo live concert, amongst others. It is also often decorated to commemorate many occasions, such as the Bicentennial or the memorable 2005 world Aids day – in which it was covered by a giant condom!
(Photo by slaff)
Torre Monumental: The Palladian-style tower in front of Retiro train station was a gift to the city from the British to commemorate the centennial of the May Revolution. Initially, its name was Torre de los Ingleses, but the name was changed after the Falklands/Malvinas war. Still, it stands as one of the city’s signature monuments, displaying the Irish shamrock, the Welsh dragon, the Scottish thistle and the English rose.
(Photo by morrissey)
Monumento de los Españoles: This stunning monument on Sarmiento and Libertador avenues in Palermo was donated in 1910 by the local Spanish community to commemorate the May revolution, although due to many complications in its construction it wasn’t inaugurated until 1927. The bronze and marble monument, which is also called “La Magna Carta y las Cuatro Regiones Argentinas,” consists of a representation of the Pampas, the Andes, Chaco and Rio de La Plata regions on its base, and at the top of the monument, a statue of the Republic.
(Photo by InnerCore)
Puente de la Mujer: This beautiful modern bridge in Puerto Madero was designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and was inspired by tango dancers. Its unique and elegant design, which includes a complex rotational system to allow boats through, has made it famous worldwide.
(Photo by Christian Haugen)
Floralis Generica: Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano is responsible for the impressive steel and aluminum flower the heart of Recoleta. The sculpture, which closes its metal petals at night and reopens with the sunlight, is symbolic for rebirth and hope.
(Photo by matt.hintsa)
Buenos Aires Parks
Despite being a bustling city, Buenos Aires is surrounded by green and its many stunning parks, with important architectural landmarks, are popular amongst locals and tourists alike. Below we prepared a list of some of the most important parks in Buenos Aires.
Plaza San Martin: Retiro is one of the city’s focal points and the gorgeous Plaza San Martín clearly reminds any visitor or passer by of the importance of this neighborhood. The stately park, in front of the Torre Monumental, holds the Jose de San Martin monument and the Monumeno a los Caidos de Malvinas. It is also chock full of lush Ombu, Linden and Floss Silk trees, and is surrounded by important buildings with stunning architecture.
(Photo by sapiamaia)
Parque 3 de Feberero: The lush extensive parks that were inaugurated in 1852 by caudillo Juan Manuel de Rosas are a city emblem. Between Av. Libertador and Lugones, and extending from Av. Casares in Palermo to La Pampa in Belgrano, this group of parks is composed of 25 hectares made up of 15 public parks and 21 private sport clubs. Some of the highlights for those getting to know the city include the “Rosedal”, an extensive rose garden with an Andalusian patio and a small lake to pedal boat in, the Sivori museum of art, the planetarium and the Japanese gardens which host a variety of activities related to Japanese culture.
(Photo by Luis Araujo)
Jardín Botanico: This mysterious and charming botanical garden has over 500 plant species amongst which a large cat community lives. There are also some lovely statues, a botanical museum, and a library. This is a great place to walk though or sit in to read a Borges short story!
(Photo by wallygrom)
Plaza Francia and surrounding parks: many beautiful extensive parks surround Recoleta. The most known is Plaza Francia, next to the Cemetery, and where the artisans fair is put on weekends. Also in the area is Plaza Naciones Unidas where the impressive Floralis Generica is located, and Plaza Las Heras, amongst others bordering Av. Libertador and Figueroa Alcorta.
(Photo by guillermopaladino)
Parque Lezama: This famous park in the heart of San Telmo is easily recognized by the bright colored cupolas of the Russian Orthodox Church, which overlooks the parks tipa and jacaranda trees. Also surrounding the park is the historic Bar Britanico. The Pedro de Mendoza monument, a gazebo, a pergola and a sculpture garden complete the charm of this lovely green space.
(Photo by Matias Garabedian)
Parque Centenario: In the Caballito neighborhood, Parque Centenario is a popular meeting point for afternoon mates and live evening concerts at the parks amphitheatre. Also in the park are a swan lake and the Fountain of the Irupé Flower, sculpted by renowned sculptor Luis Perlotti. Surrounding the park is the Museum of Natural Sciences and an Astronomy observatory.
(Photo by PezMico)
Buenos Aires International Design Festival
(Photo by fernandoprats)
The Buenos Aires International Design Festival kicks off this Friday promising for an interesting weekend full of activities at the CMD (Centro Metropolitano de Diseño) in Barracas.
With the future city as a central theme, the exhibits and events will include bike rides through city neighborhoods led by fashion designer Martin Churba, Olivier Hanocq, and architect Emiliano Espasandín, exhibitions of the city terraces, video installations and photography, and an international exhibit on upcoming projects amongst others.
Free transport will be available every hour and a half from the Colon Theatre from 12-8pm. The #12 bus is also an option. We suggest getting there by cab for allthough Barracas is a lovely area, it is off the beaten path and has a dodgy side to it.
More information on the neighborhood bike rides, timetables and starting points here, and you can find a bike rental option here.
Festival Internacional de Diseño
Algarrobo 1041, Barracas
4126-2950
cmd@buenosaires.gob.ar
Religious BA
(Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral at the begining of the XX century- photo courtesy of la hipatia)
The influx of cultures brought upon Buenos Aires by the strong migratory currents colored the city with a variety of religious practices and places of worship. At each of the churches and temples, communities of immigrants gathered to celebrate their beliefs in their own languages and songs, before altars built in the architectural style of each tradition. Religion was not only a place to worship God, but also, a place of congregation and belonging.
Now a days, as the descendants of the immigrants become distanced from their ancestral customs, many of the services are in Spanish. Nevertheless the style and cultural tradition is maintained, making for interesting places to visit and understand the history and multicultural background of the city.
Some temples worth visiting are:
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
This historic landmark was founded in 1580 as the first Catholic church of Buenos Aires. After undergoing various transformations due to the effects of time and the quality of building materials, it stands today overlooking Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada with a mix of architectural styles combining a Neo-Classic facade and Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque decoration. It is also where San Martin’s remains lie in a mausoleum guarded by statues that represent Argentina, Peru and Chile, the countries the General liberated.
Open Mon-Fri- 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun – 9 am- 7.30pm
Close to the Cathedral is the San Ignacio church built in 1675 by the Jesuits. It is one of the oldest churches in Buenos Aires and is part of the Manzana de las Luces, a network of mysterious underground tunnels and buildings built in the XVII-XVIII centuries.
Tours in English of the tunnels and church are available on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons with prior booking. Tours in Spanish are available daily.
The church is also open to the public every day from 9am-8pm
Calle Bolivar Nº 225, Monserrat
4331-2458
The story tells that on one Yom Kippur in 1861, two Jewish men gathered at the Recoleta park to read their book of prayers and decided to summon a permanent minyán, that is a group of minimum ten Jewish men who together could ensure that God would hear their prayers. A year later the group was formed and they joined to celebrate Pesaj. This was to be the first version of the National Israeli Congregation.
In 1837 the founding rock was placed and following with a mix of Roman and Byzantine architectural styles, the first synagogue of the city finally found its place.
Now a days it can be visited as part of the tours offered by the Jewish Museum (which is right next door) from Tuesday to Thursday 3pm-6pm and Fridays 3pm-5pm.
*Due to religious festivities the Museum will remain closed on the 13th-14th-20th and 21st of October.
Libertad 769, Downtown
4123-0832
This ornate church with eye-catching cupolas in XVIIth century Russian style, stands in San Telmo in front of Parque Lezama and the Historic National Museum.
Its structure includes five blue cupolas with golden stars crowned by orthodox crosses, which are fastened with chains that face east. Inside are two murals and elaborate symbolic icons amongst which the holy trinity stands out.
Open Saturdays 5pm-8pm and Sundays 10am-midday. The church also opens occasionally on weekdays. This week it will be open on Thursday from 9am-11am.
Brasil 315 – San Telmo
4361-427
Also in San Telmo is the Danish Lutheran Church, which was founded as an institution in 1924, and the neo-gothic style Temple in 1931. The congregation found a common cultural place in the Danish Church where to this day many Danish traditions are still celebrated. Additionally they have a library with extensive Scandinavian literature.
The city also offers religious tours that take you to different temples on the first and third Friday of every month starting at 10AM. Book your place at cultos@buenosaires.gob.ar or visitasguiadasdgcul@yahoo.com.ar, or by phone: 4323-9410 / 4323-8000 int. 2855/2797
Must See in Buenos Aires #6: Casa Rosada Tour
(Casa Rosada by Elton Melo)
Originally built as fort in 1594, the Casa Rosada, or Pink House, is one the city’s most emblematic buildings both because of its striking appearance and because it is the government headquarters.
During Domingo Sarmientos presidency the eye catching structure was painted pink, it is said, as a symbol of unity between the red and white colors of the Unitarians and Federals who fought against each other during the civil war.
Throughout the many political upheavals, the pink house has always been a place where the people have gathered and manifested and where the action has appeared to take place. The famous Evita speeches, the declaration of war against the Falkland islands were made public on its now famous balcony and many celebrations and riots have taken place in the small plaza facing the government building.
The stunning architecture, unique memorabilia and historic and political importance of this landmark make it a definite must see. Free tours of the Casa Rosada are offered on weekends from 10am-6pm starting at the main entrance facing the plaza.
Recommended Bar: Milion
(Photo by ComandZed)
This beautiful French style 3 story house was discovered by its now owners in 1999. They immediately fell in love with the place and decided to restore it and give it back its splendor. Today, this lovely building is not only restored but working as a swinging bar with plenty of seating space (although it is quickly taken), great cocktails, a beautiful courtyard and a restaurant. The stunning setting, the vibrant crowd, the music and the quality drinks make this bar well worth the visit.
Paraná 1048, Recoleta
4815-9925
Off the Beaten Path: Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano Isaac Fernandez Blanco
(photo by sebastian-dario)
A Neocolonial building with a beautiful Spanish style courtyard houses the Isaac Fernandez Blanco collection of Hispanic-American art. An impressive display of antique and religious objects, furniture, silver, and paintings dating back to the 1700´s are sure to take you back to a key historic moment where two very different cultures colided to define what South America is today.
Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 2pm-6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12am-6pm. English tours must be booked in advance.
Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano Isaac Fernandez Blanco
Suipacha 1422, Downtown
4327- 0228
English Tours
4327-0272.
mifb_educativa@buenosaires.gob.ar
We Recommend: El Ateneo Grand Splendid
(photo by m4caque)
This impresive bookstore is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Set in what was once the Grand Splendid Theatre, and conserving the grandiose architecture whilst adapting its function to a bookstore, it is one of the city’s jewels.
The balconies, the original velvet curtains, and the cupola, on which an allegoric representation of peace was painted after world war one, can all be enjoyed whilst browsing for books or having something to eat on the once stage.
Av. Santa Fe 1860, Recoleta
4813-6052
Opening Hours:
Mon-Thur 9am-10pm
Fri-Sat 9am-12pm
Sun 12am-10pm
