Tourist Circuits - San Telmo
1. Headquarters of Buenos Aires City Government.
Built between 1891 and 1902, a work directed by the Italian architect Giovanni Cagnoni. It is of French Academicism style, with Italian-like elements. Two great oil paintings are exhibited in the interior of the building: “Preparativos de Salida” by B. Quinquela Martin and “La Fundación de Buenos Aires” by J. Moreno Cabral.2. House of Culture. Former venue of La Prensa Newspaper
This construction, of French Academicist-styled, was inaugurated in 1896. It was designed by engineers Gainza and Agote. On the first floor, the Golden Room exactly replicates a Versailles Palace room. It was the venue of La Prensa newspaper and was provided with transmitters and receivers of news cables and telephones. The upper part of the building finishes off in a bronze-made statue 55 meters high that holds a torch and a written page, as symbols of the press freedom. The beacon was useful to spread the most important news at that moment, by means of different-colour lights.
Today, the building is part of the Secretary of Culture of Buenos Aires Government where many free cultural activities take place.3. El Cabildo
- Avenida de Mayo & Bolívar
The Cabildo was Buenos Aires government seat in colonial times. Members of the Cabildo –elected by popular votes- used to weekly meet here.
The original work was directed by the architect Giovanni Andrea Bianchi and inaugurated in 1740. Then, several changes were made to the premises in the course of the centuries; among which we can mention the six of the twelve arches which were taken out. May Revolution took place in these premises. That was the first expression of independence from Spain. The First Governing Body was appointed in 1810.
Today, you can visit here: the Cabildo and the Revolución de Mayo Museums; the National Commission of Monuments, Sightseeing Areas and Historical Museums; and a handicraft fair.4. Pasaje Roverano
Este pasaje que lleva el nombre de su primer propietario; fue construido en 1878, pero debió ser remodelado cuando se abrió Avenida de Mayo. Los materiales y la mano de obra son excelentes, como se ve en los vitrales, en las vidrieras curvas y en las originales carpinterías de bronce de los locales del pasaje. Une la Avenida de Mayo con Hipólito Irigoyen y es la única casa que tiene una entrada particular a la línea A de Subterráneos (estación Perú).
Subir5. Perú Subway Station
Line A inaugurated in 1913; was the first subway line in Buenos Aires and South America. Perú station still keeps the original architecture and antique advertising posters.6. London City Patisserie
El London&; was inaugurated in 1954. From then on, politicians, artists and downtown clerks meet there. At their tables, the Argentine writer Julio Cortázar wrote his novel Los premios; on the first page it says It was at the London located at the intersection of Perú and Avenida7. Urquiza Anchorena Palace
An alley located within these premises joins Avenida de Mayo to Rivadavia street. It was built by engineer Sanguinetti in 192l. The dome of this building is one of the 24 of the avenue which will be illuminated by ordered of Buenos Aires government.8. Vera Palace
- Avenida de Mayo 767 - 777
This neatly art noveau palace, with curved lines and bevelled glasses, was built in 1910 by architects Prins and Ranzenhofler, for Díaz Vélez family to live in. Currently, two bookshops are placed there where you can find first editions and unusual copies.9. Tortoni Cafe
Founded in 1858, it is the oldest coffee-shop in Buenos Aires. In 1880, it was moved to its current property –at the beginning, it was placed at the corner. Finally, in 1898, the magnificent door opened up onto Avenida de Mayo. The facade was developed by architect Christophersen.
Two decades later, the Tortoni was already become the center of meetings for Buenos Aires intellectuals and hosted many of the illustrious characters coming either from Buenos Aires or abroad. Inside the cafe, pictures, poems and busts tell steps of its history.
Its basements are today havens for jazz and tango fans, and the wine cellar is the place where presentations of books and poetry encounters are carried out. Towards its back side, there are rooms for dominoes, dice and billiards. The Tortoni still offers its customers some endangered drinks like leche merengada (whipped milk).10. Castelar Hotel
Work by architect Mario Palanti, who also built Pasaje Barolo, was inaugurated in 1929. This is one of the most important hotels in Buenos Aires. It lodged the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca during the six months he had lived in Buenos Aires in the 30’s. It was also the venue for the famous meetings of artists like Norah Lange, Jorge Luis Borges, Oliverio Girondo and many others.11. Avenida Theatre
Inaugurated in 1908 after a work by Lope de Vega, this theatre keeps the memory of Spanish companies from the beginning of the century. It was closed in 1979 because of a fire and, after its reconstruction, it was re-opened in 1994, with Plácido Domingo’s presentation. It currently keeps the Spanish drama tradition.12. Los 36 Billares Bar
Inaugurated in 1894, “Los 36” is one of the most traditional bars in Buenos Aires and one of the most important billiards center in the country. You can here find pool tables, snooker tables and, obviously billiard tables.13. Chile Hotel
Built by the French architect Jules Dubois, this is a neatly art noveau style of the beginning of century, with curved lines and rich ornamental details. The hotel opened in 1935.14. Old Majestic Hotel
Work by architects Federico Collivadino and Ítalo Benedetti, who finished the building in 1909. Here, Nijinsky and Le Corbusier stayed. At the moment, it is the seat of a branch of the Federal Administration of Public Revenues (AFIP) and also the headquarters of the museum of said entity, where you can see from devices used to manufacture alcohol to a box used to collect taxes in century 19th.15. Building of the Former Crítica Newspaper
It was the headquarters of the popular newspaper CRITICA, property of Natalio Botana. The work was directed by the Hungarian architects Gyorgy and Andrés Kalnay. Its facade presents elements of the art-decó style.
Collaborators of CRITICA in its splendor years between 1920 and 1930 were: Raúl González Tuñón, Roberto Arlt, Jorge L. Borges, Ulyses Petit de Murat and Florencio Escardó.
It currently lodges Federal Police Offices.16. Barolo Building
The Barolo Palace was built by the Italian architect Mario Palanti for Luis Barolo, a powerful textile businessman. Inaugurated in 1923, it was the highest building in the city of Buenos Aires until the construction of the Kavanagh in 1935. Each floor has a different design and the central dome reaches the height of a 24th floor. For many years, it has been an office building. Its dome has a lighthouse of 300,000 spark plugs by means of which news were spread.
Palanti was a specialist of Dante Alighieri’s art; the building, of romantic neo-Gothic style, is full of analogies and references to the Divine Comedy. The ground floor of the building is built based on the golden section and to the number of gold. The Palace's general division as well as that of the Divine Comedy is three-parted: Hell, Purgatory and Heaven. The lighthouse of the building represents the nine angelical choirs. On the lighthouse there is the Cruz of the South constellation, which aligns with the axis of the Barolo on the first days of June, at 7:45 PM. The building is 100 meters high, as the songs of the Divine Comedy. The Salvo Palace, on Montevideo street, is a twin brother to Barolo’s.17. La Inmobiliaria Building
- Avenida de Mayo, Luis Saénz Peña, San José
La Inmobiliaria was originally an insurance company; that is why this is the name of the building. It dates from 1910, the work was designed by architect Luis Broggi. The superior part presents two reddish domes, with art noveau reminiscences, Italian-like and neoclassicist features, represented by the statues of Venus and Apollo located on top of the building.18. Congress of the Nation
- Entre Ríos, Hipólito Irigoyen, Rivadavia
It is the venue of the Legislative Power and it lodges the Senate and The House of Representatives. The project was in charge of the Italian architect Víctor Meano; however, after his death, the work was completed by Julio Dormal. It was built at the end of century 19th. Even though, it has been used since 1906, it was not finished until 1946. The dome of the Congress is the longest in the city.19. Del Molino Patisserie
Although it was opened in 1860, the present building was completed in 1917. The project, of art nouveau style, was in charge of the Italian architect Francesco Gianotti. For its location in front of the Congress, it was the meeting place for many Argentine politicians. The patisserie was closed in 1997.
1. Secretariat of Agriculture, Cattle Raising and Fish
A building complex designed by architect Andrés Vanelli e Hijos and Kimbau y Co. The neo-Gothic style buildings are located on the avenue and bear the entire superb quality established for public works at the end of the 19th century and beginnings of the 20th century. 2. School of Engineering
Neoclassic style building, replicating that of the School of Law. It is the outcome of State architectural conception of middle of the 20th century. It formerly seated the ex María Eva Duarte de Perón Foundation. 3. "Canto al Trabajo" Monument
This monument made by the Argentine sculptor Rogelio de Yrurtia (1879-1950) is a sculptural group of 14 human bronze-made figures. 4. Pasaje San Lorenzo
- Estados Unidos & Balcarce
In this alley -two blocks long- we can visit the Galeria de los Patios de San Telmo, a typical large house of the 18th century, populated by artisans and artists' ateliers. 5. "Casa Mínima" (The Minimum House)
La fachada mide apenas 2,2 metros de ancho. Es la parte que queda de una construcción de la segunda década del siglo XIX. Antiguamente era común que este tipo de adiciones a las casas fueran ocupadas por los esclavos de la familia.
6. Sur Cafe
- Estados Unidos & Balcarce
It opened its doors in 1967 and became the pioneer of the night show in Buenos Aires. 7. Danish Church
The tower and the roofs are clear representatives of the neo-Gothic style. It was designed by the Danish architects Rönnow and Bisgaard. It was inaugurated in 1931. 8. House of Juan Carlos Castagnino
This house and the house at the corner date from the ends of the 18th century. It was the house to the artist Juan Carlos Castagnino (1908-1972), a famous painter, worldwide known because of the illustration of Martin Fierro he published in 1963. 9. Gallery of the "Viejo Hotel"
Construida alrededor de 1890 como hotel, al declararse el barrio zona histórica en 1979, se la transformó en galería de arte y en atelier de pintores y escultores.10. Antigua Tasca de Cuchilleros
The front room dates from ends of the 18th century. The rest of the construction came further on. This place harbors a tragic love story. This was the house to Margarita, sergeant Oliden's daughter, “mazorquero” of the Governor Juan Manuel de Rosas. The father expected his daughter to marry Ciriaco Cuitiño, boss of the “mazorqueros”. But she escaped with the “payador” she was in love with. Finally, they were found by Cuitiño in the town of Luján. Cuitiño shot Margarita and she returned home to die. There is nowadays a restaurant there. 11. House of Esteban de Luca
The house dates back to the end of the 18th century. Here Esteban de Luca lived. He was a military man, poet and journalist. He actively participated in the English Invasions (1806-1807), as sub-lieutenant of Battalion 3 of Patricians. The house was recycled conserving the architectural elements of the time. At the moment, there is a restaurant there. It has become a National Historical Monument. 12. San Telmo Market
- Bolívar, Carlos Calvo, Defensa, Estados Unidos
Its facade presents Italian characteristics while the interior holds an excellent iron structure roofed with foil and glass. It was inaugurated in 1897 and architect Juan Antonio Buschiazzo designed it. 13. Solar de French Gallery
- Defensa entre Humberto 1º & Carlos Calvo
This was the residence to patriot Domingo French. The front wing dates from 1900 -1910 while the rest dates from 1930. 14. Dorrego Square
- Humberto Iº, Defensa, Anselmo Aieta y Bethlem
Officially declared as a National Historical Place. This is the oldest square after the Plaza de Mayo. Here you can visit the Fair of Antiques on Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 15. Argentine Penitentiary Museum ‘Antonio Ballvé’
Designed by architect Antonio Masella, the building dates from 1760. Originally, it was the House of Spiritual Exercises for men. When the Jesuits were expelled in 1767, the place passed onto the Cabildo. Later and up to 1974, it functioned as a Women’s Jail in charge of the Good Shepherd's Order and the Penitentiary Service. When this Order retires in 1974, the Penitentiary is still in charge up to 1978 when the Women’s Jail is transferred to the town of Ezeiza. The interior of the building holds the chapel of Nuestra Señora del Camen, a construction from 1734. 16. Nuestra Señora de Belén Church - San Pedro Telmo Parish
La iglesia comenzó a construirse a fines de 1734 con el proyecto del arquitecto jesuita Andrés Blanqui y la intervención de Juan Bautista Prímoli y José Schmidt, continuando la obra el maestro italiano Antonio Masella, siendo la última restauración la realizada en el año 1918 por el arquitecto Pelayo Sáinz. La fachada es de estilo ecléctico presentando elementos arquitectónicos del neo-colonial. En la parte superior se encuentra la imagen de San Pedro González Telmo. Es Monumento Histórico Nacional.17. Protomedicato - Escuela Guillermo Rawson
In 1858, it was the first school of Medicine in Buenos Aires. As from 1886, it became dependant from the Secretariat of Education. It is of a neo-colonial style architecture. The magnolia plants perfuming the entrance date back from that time. 18. La Defensa Alley Defensa 1179
It is a traditional large house of the decade of 1880 and was the residence of the Ezeiza family. The two-story house holds several rooms that lead to a lateral gallery. At the moment, a commercial gallery runs with shops of antique dealers, old times attires, paintings, souvenirs, etc.
18. Museum of Modern Art of Buenos Aires City Government
It was formerly a deposit of Cigarrillos 43 company. The building dates from 1918 and it was recycled while keeping its original architecture of “utilitarian” style. The museum holds exhibitions of contemporary plastic art. 19. Museum of the Cinema
The museum is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm. It holds a films library, collections of posters, clothes, photos and documents. 20. La Defensa Alley
It is a traditional large house of the decade of 1880 and was the residence of the Ezeiza family. The two-story house holds several rooms that lead to a lateral gallery. At the moment, a commercial gallery runs with shops of antique dealers, old times attires, paintings, souvenirs, etc.21. Ex San Telmo Foundation
It was built as a large house around 1860, and remodeled by Osvaldo Giesso in the ‘80s. At the moment, there is an art gallery -which can be visited by people- and a theatre school. Its facade replicates a house of the 18th century which blueprints are kept at the National General Bureau. 22. Russian Orthodox Church of The Sacred Trinity
This church was inaugurated in 1904. The original project was carried out by architect Mihail Preobrazensky (Sacred Synod of Russia) and adapted by architect Alejandro Christophersen. The temple has been built based on the Muscovite style of 17th century. On the façade, there is a Venetian-mosaic-made figure of the Sacred Trinity made in Saint Petersburg23. Lezama Park. Monument–Fountain in homage to Pedro de Mendoza
Fue inaugurado el 23 de junio de 1937, realizado por el escultor Juan Carlos Oliva Navarro. El monumento está formado por una fuente cuadrada con dos vertederos que simbolizan el Río Guadalquivir y el Río de la Plata, donde tuvo comienzo y fin la expedición. La estatua de don Pedro de Mendoza es de bronce y contrasta con un muro revestido de mármol con bajorrelieves representando una figura indígena. Pedro de Mendoza aparece clavando la espada en el suelo como símbolo de la toma de posesión de las tierras.24. Lezama Park. Patio of Sculptures and Amphitheatre
- Defensa, Brasil, Paseo Colón and Martín García
Located on a natural gorge. Some people affirm that the first establishment of this city took place in these suburbs. Paul Groussac opposes to this conclusion, since he states it took place at Vuelta de Rocha. At the end of the 18th century, the Royal Company of Philippines settled the deposit of slaves down in the park. In 1806, during the First English Invasion, General Beresford entered through San Martin Street (today Defensa) devastating the last local forces on the Barranca de Marcó (today Lezama Park). Years later, the English David MacKinley installed his week-end cottage at this place, opposite the river. On the building the English flag was hoisted, and for that reason people got used to call it “the Englishmen cottage”. After successive owners, in 1857, Mr Jose Gregorio Lezama, a tradesman from Salta, acquired the property, surrounded it with a high fence of iron grills and enriched the forest atmosphere with exotic plants and trees. Towards 1871, during the yellow fever epidemic, the residence was operated as a Lazaretto. In 1889, when Lezama dies, his widow Angela Álzaga proposes the Mayor to sell the premises to the Community, with the commitment of being a public park. It took then the name of Parque Lezama. 25. Historical National Museum
It was founded on May 24 1889. It was settled on the house of Gregorio de Lezama, in 1897. Their line follow Italian architecture, so much applied in Buenos Aires between 1850 and 1880. The premises lighten the traditions of the Revolution of May and the Wars of the Independence and other memorable periods of the national history of the 19th century. 26. Británico Cafe
One of the most traditional cafes in Buenos Aires. Although it is owned by Spanish people, the name is an homage to the English immigrants who settled down in that area at the time of the railway construction.
1. Martín García Avenue
It was the old route called Camino a la Ensenada de Barragan to Magdalena and Quilmes towns, originally sourcing from Plaza Mayor. The carts exit the port down Defensa and Humberto I streets. The nearby Almirante Brown avenue leads you to La Boca neighborhood.2. Canale Factory
- Av. Martín García frente al Parque Lezama.
The famous and old cookies factory used to sweetly scent the whole neighborhood. Premises hold two domes and it has been decorated with majolica.3. Avenida Martín García 584
This was the seat of Admiral Brown’s week-end cottage. Guillermo Brown, mariner of Irish origin, created the First Argentine Navy Fleet.4. Montes de Oca Avenue (Former Calle Larga)
This avenue extends from Caseros avenue up to the Riachuelo. At the beginning of century 20º, wealthy families walked over and spent summer holidays there. The most representative and wealthy families such as the Balcarce’s, Díaz Vélez’, Satamarino’s, Udaondo’s, Elizalde’s and Ramos Mejia’s, among others, used to have their week-end cottages along this avenue.5. Santa Lucia Parish
- Avenida Montes de Oca 550
Santa Lucia is the saint patron of this neighborhood. The first chapel was founded in 1783. Every December 13, a procession is carried out along Montes de Oca avenue, in honor to the ‘Saint Patron of the Sight’.6. Colombia Square
- Avenida Montes de Oca, Isabel la Católica, Brandsen y Pinzón
It was part of the plot of land occupied by Martin de Alzaga’s week-end cottage, in colonial times. He was an important and rich Basque merchant, hero of the Re-conquest of the City during the English Invasions of 1806 and 1807.
The main house occupied the center of the square. There, Martin de Alzaga quartered his troops when he fought against the Government of the Revolution of May. A slave denounced him and Alzaga was captured, sentenced and gun-shot.
You can see the mast and a bronze sculptured group made by Julio C. Bergottini. The same sculptor made a bust in honor to General San Martin. The square also holds a Monument to the Mother by Pedro Trenti.7. Santa Felicitas Church
- Isabel La Católica entre Pinzón & Brandsen
Felicitas Guerrero was a young and wealthy widow, considered by that time the most beautiful woman in Buenos Aires. In 1872, she was murdered by a cheated solicitor, the dandy Enrique Ocampo (uncle to writers Victoria and Silvina Ocampo). In memory of their daughter, the parents erected this temple in 1875, ordering the design to architect Bunge. The church combines highly eclectic elements with Gothic reminiscences. It is the only church in Buenos Aires where statues represent worldly characters. They are all Carrara marble-made and they depict Felicitas with her children and Martin de Alzaga.8. Israeli Temple or Torah
Built by architect Valentini. Of oriental style, it holds a facade with big glass panes and a central portico crowned with a great dome of onion-like clusters. Dome makes this temple stand out among the premises of the neighborhood. Inside, you can see a beautiful Andalusian patio paved with multicolored mosaics.9. Alpargatas Factory
- Avenida Regimiento de Patricios 1142
You can see a series of buildings which belonged to the most important textile factory in Argentina. It was founded by a Basque, Juan Echegaray, and a Scotchman, Robert Fraser, in 1883.10. El Águila-Saint Chocolate Factory
- Herrera entre Brandsen & Suárez
Each corner of the premises is crowned by an eagle, the symbol of this traditional Argentine chocolate factory.11. Lanín Street
Near the old chocolate factory Aguila, we can stroll along Lanin street. Short and winding, this street is a permanent exhibition of urban or street art. It is near the railroads. The plastic artist Marino Santa María proposed to color facades and walls of the houses with vertical, horizontal and waving lines from Brandsen until Suarez streets.12. Ferroviario Neighborhood
This small English-styled neighborhood was built for railroad employees. They sum up about 300 apartments.
1. De la Cárcova Fine Arts School
- Tristán Achával Rodríguez 1701
This is the venue of the Museum of Exact Replicas. Reproductions of classic sculptures are exhibited in a normal size. Workshops and courses are conducted in this place also. At the interior park –decorated with a Moorish fountain and old trees- there is a parrilla.2. Fountain of the Nereid
- Tristán Achával Rodríguez 1600
This is a work made by the sculptor Lola Mora in 1903. This artist was born in the province of Tucumán. The work intends to represent Venus birth. The initial idea was to place it at Plaza de Mayo, but the naked figure generated so many problems that it was placed in Leandro N. Alem avenue. After fifteen years, it was moved to Costanera Sur. It was made of Carrara marble.3. Ecologic Reserve
- Tristán Achával Rodríguez 1550
Without any human intervention, the local fauna and flora began to inhabit the lands gained to the river during the 70’s. In 1986, it was officially declared as an Ecologic Reserve by the Buenos Aires government at that time. Five minutes away from Buenos Aires city center, it has a surface of 350 hectares. It is covered by pastures of cortaderas and forests of alders and willows. Hundreds of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles inhabit this area. Guided tours are organized during the day and the night.4. Costanera Sur
- Azucena Villaflor & Tristán Achával Rodríguez
In 1918, it was inaugurated as a municipal leisure place. A long jetty separated the women bath area from men bath area, according to the rules of that time. The riverside became one of the most favorite places in Buenos Aires city. Since the 50’s, due to the River Plate contamination, it lost popularity.5. Malecón Building
Built in 1999, the project was directed by one of the most important architecture studios in the United States. This is an office tower comprising twelve floors. A great commercial center.6. Ship Museum and Corvette Uruguay
It was built in British shipyards and brought to Buenos Aires by order of President Sarmiento in 1872. Between 1898 and 1961, it was the training ship of the Argentine Navy. It is 85 meters long and 13,3 wide. In 1901, it was driven to the Antarctica to rescue the Swedish expedition of the ‘Antartic’, which was wrecked by the immensity of the ice.7. Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza Church
It depends from the Argentine Naval Prefecture. It was designed by the architects Poli, Casano and Zubillaga. It was inaugurated in 1996. It has a round base such as the Inmaculada Concepción church in Belgrano neighborhood.8. Buenos Aires City Mill
On the eastern margin of the dock, this mill is located. It was built in 1891. It had manufactured flour until 1956. The style is aligned with the typical harbor functional architecture. It was officially declared as a part of the national patrimony.9. Molinos Río de la Plata Building
This building was finished in 1902. That was the most wealthy period for Buenos Aires port. The telescopic drain silos helped to organize the loading and unloading of goods according to the storage aging.10. Ship Museum and Frigate Sarmiento
It was one of the training ships that belongs to the Navy. It was built in England in 1898 by order of the Argentine government. It performed 39 voyages throughout the worldwide seas.11. The Bridge of the Woman
This is a work by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The bridge rotates 90 degrees so as to allow the passage of the ships. It had been built in 12 months and finished in 2001.12. Christopher Columbus Monument and Park
This work was encouraged by Antonio Devoto, a wealthy Italian immigrant, to celebrate the Argentine Independence centenary. It was made by the sculptor Arnaldo Zocchi and inaugurated in 1921.
Columbus figure -made in Carrara marble- weighs 38 tons and is 6. 25 meters tall.
The monument still has some traces of the missiles shot during the raid occurred in Plaza de Mayo in 1955, when the Marine airplanes tried to remove President Perón by force.13. Hilton Buenos Aires
The hotel offers a different architectonical landscape in Puerto Madero and an event infrastructure that may answer to a great demand. It has a glazing foyer of 600 square meters and 421 rooms.14. Monumental Antenna or Mast of the Italians
- Avenida de los Italianos & Güemes
At the center of the square, you can see the column and on top of it, a replica of San Marcos' Winged León, typical Venetian figure. The Government of Italy donated this sculpture –the meeting point for the Italian celebrations which take place in this city.15. Puerto Madero Station
- Perón & Avenida Alicia Moreau de Justo
A railway service of a high category arrives at this station. Trains are equipped with air conditioning and functional music. A tunnel built in 1912 which joins the port to the West of Buenos Aires adds a picturesque component to the landscape.16. Puerto Madero Yacht Club
Inaugurated in 1997, it was initially projected by Camper, an English company which has been dedicated to port construction from 1782. It holds a Floating Club House of 2000 square meters, distributed in three plants. The 250 mooring lines are illuminated and among its services we find drinkable water, phone cable television, cleaning, maintenance and nautical repairs.17. Center of Tourist Information
One of the seven centers of tourist aid offered by Buenos Aires city government. You can here be provided with maps, guides and brochures.18. Bank Boston Building
At the hall, you can see a mural which is 5.5 by 12 meters and was made by the Argentine painter Guillermo Roux and finished in 2005. The work has been made four years by Roux with the collaboration of Marina Curci and Laura Olalde.
1. Plaza de Mayo
- Balcarce, Rivadavia, Bolívar, Hipólito Yrigoyen
Juan de Garay founded Buenos Aires city for the second time in 1580. At this time, he also decided the location of the Plaza Mayor, current Plaza de Mayo.
In 1810, it was the scenario for the May Revolution, a political milestone to start Argentine independence. In 1816, the independence was sworn. In 1860, the National Constitution was enacted. During the military dictatorial government, since 1977, it has been the place where Madres de Plaza de Mayo meet to claim for ‘their’ people missed during the military government. Today, this square still concentrates all social demonstrations.
At present, in the center of the square, we can admire the Pyramid of May, monument erected to commemorate the first anniversary of the May Revolution of 1810.2. Government House or Pink House
The building, in its current location, has always been the national government's headquarters from the Primera Junta of 1810 to date, but the current building was finished in 1884. President Sarmiento (1868-1874) decided to paint the building of a pink color.
On Rivadavia street, you can see the access esplanade the president takes to enter the House. At the back of the house, you can observe remains of the old Customs office. On Yrigoyen street, you can access to the Museum of the Pink House.3. Metropolitan Cathedral
In 1692, construction of the first cathedral was carried out on this same plot. In 1822 , the current building was finished, after a century and a half of several architectural works. Inside the cathedral, you can observe pictures and sculptures, mainly made by Italian artists.
You may access the mausoleum where General Jose de San Martin remains are. He has been a hero of our independence.4. Cabildo
During colony times, the Cabildo was the institution which represented the local interests. The construction of the current building began in the 18th century. Along the years, the Cabildo suffered successive architectural modifications.
In 1810, the building held the events which would give rise to the Primera Junta de Gobierno and later to the declaration of independence.
This building is currently a Museum of the Cabildo and of the May Revolution.5. Julio Argentino Roca Monument
Inaugurated in 1941. From its marble-covered base, two big figures stand out. They represent our homeland and the work. An equestrian bronze figure crowns the monument. Sculptor José Zorrilla de San Martin was its author. Julio Argentino Roca (1843-1914) participated in the battles of Cepeda and Pavón, and in the war of Paraguay. He was Minister of War during Avellaneda`s administration. During his office he promoted and led the Campaign to the Desert. He was President of the Argentine Republic for two terms (1880-1886 and 1898-1904).6. Block of the Lights’ / San Ignacio Church / Nacional Buenos Aires School
- Alsina, Bolívar, Moreno, Perú
In this area, the Jesuit Order settled in 1633. After their expulsion, in 1767, these buildings seated the University of Buenos Aires and the National Congress. The architectural group presents strange tunnels built during the18th century to connect it with other buildings of the surroundings.
San Ignacio Church
The construction of this church started in 1686. It is the oldest in the city. It was the most important Jesuit temple.
Nacional Buenos Aires School
It is one of the most prestigious secondary school in the country. It dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, although it has held the current name since 1863.7. Ávila Bookshop
In 1785, the first bookshop in the city was inaugurated at this corner. In 1830, it became exclusively a bookshop. Today is one of the intellectual centers in the city. Current Ávila bookshop is the only shop in the city which has kept the location and field of business from colonial times to date.8. House of Maria Josefa Ezcurra
This house was built in 1836. The composition of the facade evidences the influences of the Italian Renaissance. Its two-panel door maintains the structure of boards used in colonial times. Ground floor was dedicated to trade and the top floor to housing. María Josefa Ezcurra was sister-in-law to Juan Manuel de Rosas, governor of Buenos Aires in the middle of the 19th century and one of the most controversial characters of our national history.9. La Puerto Rico Café
Inaugurated in 1887, it was officially declared as a ‘Notable Café’ by the City Legislature. The black-granite façade shows large windows which let you see marvelous woodworks. You can also enjoy here tango shows.10. Altos de Elorriaga
This house is one of the pioneers of storied houses built in the city. The rooms surrounded the big internal patio. The windowed balcony is still preserved so that you can admire the river sight. The facade is plain and whitewashed. Fenced balconies can be seen on the first floor.11. Museum of the City / Pharmacy La Estrella
The ground floor has been the seat for the pharmacy La Estrella since 1834. You can see roofs -decorated by the Italian Parisi- and Italian walnut bookcases. On the first floor, a museum exhibits artefacts which reveal to people the daily aspects of the old Buenos Aires.12. Church and Convent of San Francisco / San Roque Chapel
Building started towards 1730, by Andrea Bianchi. It was inaugurated in 1754. At the beginning of the 20th century, the German architect Sackman remodelled the facade, endowing it with the German Baroque style it has today. The front is crowned by sculptures representing San Francisco de Assis, Giotto, Dante Alighieri and Cristóbal Colon. Part of the interior decoration and the biggest altarpiece were destroyed by the fire of 1955. In order to repair damages, one of the biggest tapestries in the world (8 x 12 meters) was placed on the main altar. The atrium is shared by the chapel of San Roque which opens every 16th day of the month when Religious Patron’s holiday is celebrated. Polychrome wooden images from the 18th century stand out in its interior.13. San Francisco Small Square
When strolling along this small square, you come across the beautiful images representing the Astronomy, the Industry, the Geography and the Sailing which formerly surrounded the Pyramid of May. The small square was developed due to the need of extending the atrium of the church, since too many people attended its services.14. El Colonial Café
This building still keeps some bricks from the colonial time, made with mud and oven-dried straw.15. Ethnographical Museum Juan B. Ambrosetti
You can admire here the most complete ethnographical and anthropological collection in the country. Items from cultures Condorhuasi, Ona, Tehuelche, Guarani and Toba are exhibited there. The building, designed by architect Pedro Benoît, dates back from 1880.16. House of President Rivadavia
Bernardino Rivadavia was born in this house, in 1780. He was the first Argentine president, elected in 1826. It holds a colonial style, of plain façade. We can still observe the cover to protect from dust on the windows and the superior cornice.17. House of Defense / National Museum of Engraving
Originally a barrack for leathers deposit. The Museum exhibits an extensive collection of items from engravers of last and contemporary centuries.18. Nuestra Señora del Rosario Basilica / Santo Domingo Convent
- Avenida Belgrano & Defensa
The construction of the church began in 1752. It was partially inaugurated in 1773. Santo Domingo is one of the churches which best preserves original lines, having the Jesuit ground floor of three aisles and rather hollow lateral chapels. I t holds the remains of General Belgrano, a statistician of the 19th century.19. Manuel Belgrano Premises/ Calmer Building
- Belgrano entre Defensa & Bolívar
These premises were Manuel Belgrano’s house. Here he was born in 1770 and died in 1820.20. Liniers’ House
The façade and some few walls still remain from the original construction. Its first owner was Martin Simón de Sarratea, father-in-law to Santiago de Liniers and penultimate Viceroy of the River Plate. Here, capitulation of the English General Beresford took place, after one of the failed English Invasions.21. Former House of Currency Stamping
This place was successively occupied by diverse institutions: the Hospital of the King, the Partida Celadora Headquarters and the ‘Lions Body’ of the Police. In 1775, the state authorities ruled over a monetary unit -the peso fuerte, and they thus created the House of Currency Stamping. There, the bills, fiscal values and postal seals were printed.
This first house of the Currency, designed by engineer E. Costilla, was inaugurated in 1881 and operated up to 1944. It is an Italian-style building, of symmetrical ground floor, with a central patio. Its iron-and-brick-made structure is surrounded by a green space and limited by a fence of pillars and ornamental grills. In 1914, another building on Balcarce Street was annexed to it. It currently belongs to the Argentine Army.22. José Hernández’s House
It is a typical house of the 19th century. It belonged to the author of the gaucho-related literature work called Martín Fierro. Today, the Argentine Society of Writers operates here.23. Former National Library
This building dates back from 1901, and was constructed to be the headquarters of the National Lottery. It was given to the National Library before it was finished. Designed by the Italian architect Carlos Morra, it is a clear representative of the architecture of the Beaux Arts, sober and monumental. In 1992, the library moved to its current building located at the intersection of Austria street and Libertador avenue.
