![]() ![]() This church-like building is one of the few examples of Spanish architecture still found in modern Buenos Aires. Inside the mausoleum you will find three sculptures, representing the three countries he fought to liberate: Argentina, Chileand Perú. The mausoleum is guarded by two Grenadiers, who change guardevery two hours performing a very formal ceremony you should definitely watch at least once during your stay in Buenos Aires. Considered “the Father of the Nation”, he had a crucial role in the wars for Independenceby founding the Regiment of Mounted Grenadiers and later on by leading the Army of the Andes across and over the second highest mountain range in the World to free Chile from Spanish rule. On the right aisle, a magnificent mausoleum pays homage to Gral. The architecture and design are amazing both from the outside and inside, where beautiful altarpieces, pulpits and works of art delight visitors’ eyes. Instead, at first sight you may think that the building hosts a theater, the court house, or even a bank… anything but a church.īuilt in a neoclassical style, it has a 12-column façade, which significantly sets it apart from the adjoining buildings. It may be hard to find it at first, as it does not really look like a church. It has recently become world renowned as Pope Francis’ former parish, before he was elected Pope and went to the Vatican back in 2013. Located on the north side of “Plaza de Mayo”, this is the most important church in the city, although not the oldest. Stop C – Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral) Built in a remaining structure of that old fort, it opened in 2010 during the festivity that honored the bicentennial of the “May Revolution”. Towards one side of “Casa Rosada”, you will find the “Museo del Bicentenario” (Bicentennial Museum). In 1810, after the “May Revolution”, the building was used as the official residence of the president of the “Primera Junta” (first local government, which replaced the Spanish authorities previously in charge). Stop B: Casa Rosada (Pink house, seat of the Executive Power)įormerly overviewing the river, the first building to take this spot was Buenos Aires’ fort, originally built for the defense of the town in case of invasions. Placed at the square in 1811, it was built to celebrate the first anniversary of one of the major historical events in the country: The “May Revolution”, which took place at “Plaza de Mayo” between May 20th and May 25th 1810 and it is known to be the first step towards independence from Spain (declared in 1816).įun fact: the original pyramid was smaller than the one you will see and it is protected inside this big one.Ī female figure crowns the top, as the representation of “the Republic”.Ĭlick here to learn more about this and other 14 famous monuments and landmarks of Buenos Aires city. Impossible to miss, this tall white monument located right in the middle of “Plaza de Mayo” is considered to be the first ever monument of Argentina. This self-guided tour takes you to the most important historic buildings and monuments on the square and surroundings, starting with: Stop A – Pirámide de Mayo (May pyramid) Over the centuries, the “Plaza de Mayo” has witnessed not only the everyday comings and goings of the locals, but also the passing of Argentine history, having become a symbol of disaster, rebellion, and hope. It was there that Juan de Garay, a Spanish militar, officially founded the city of Buenos Aires in 1580, almost 50 years after a previous attempt to establish a settlement a couple miles south of the square abruptly failed.Įver since the square became a political, financial and administrative hub, around which the city began taking shape. If for any reason you can only choose one place to visit in Buenos Aires, then our suggestion is to make it this one, as Plaza de Mayo is the beating heart of the city.īelieve it or not, this public square is as old as the city itself. ![]() ![]() Aerial view of Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires’ downtown.
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