Recoleta, Buenos Aires

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The ominous gates, Doric-columned portico, and labyrinthine paths of the oldest cemetery in Buenos Aires (1822) may leave you with a sense of foreboding. The final resting place for the nation's most illustrious figures is a virtual city of the dead covering 13½ acres that are rumored to be the most expensive real estate in town. The cemetery has more than 6,400 elaborate vaulted tombs and majestic mausoleums, 70 of which have been declared historic monuments. The mausoleums resemble chapels, Greek temples, pyramids, and miniature mansions. The administrative offices at the entrance provide a free map, and caretakers throughout the grounds can help you locate the more intriguing tombs including the tomb of the famous Eva Perron!

Long time ago it was the first public cemetery of the city, Martin Rodriguez, the Governor of Buenos Aires in that time decided to construct that space in Buenos Aires as the churchs were not a exactly place where you keep your dearest dead people as it was part of the Catholic Traditions. So in 1822 the cemetery started, the first person buried there was not a famous person, it was a young black freed boy, Juan Benito, slavery were something not really necessary in the city, and the black people had their freedom very early in the South American History.

Evita is there!

Recoleta now has 4800 vaults and it keeps the Human History of the country as many Presidents, all kind of politicians and famous artists are there...except Gardel.

Personally I do not like graveyards, but Buenos Aires, Paris and New Orleans has very interesting sacred places where it worths a visit!

Narrow corridors and open mausoleos invites you for a scaring experience..it is not recommended to visit the cemetery at night, Evita or Mitre could kick your back!

SEP - SECOND WEEK - 2005

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This is the view from the bridge that cross Figueroa Alcorta avenue. It's infront of the law's University.
I think it's a cute bridge, and the view at night is pretty nice.

Esta es la vista desde el puente que atraviesa la avenida Figueroa Alcorta. Esta enfrente de la Universidad de Derecho. Creo que es un puente muy bonito y la vista de noche es muy linda.

This 18th-century church is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Argentine colonial architecture. Don't miss the ornate silver altar, the chapels, and the skulls and bones at the entryway which are the remains of some of the area's early inhabitants.

Visit it in along with the Recoleta Cemetery and the Recoleta Cultural Centre and the Buenos Aires Design Center (its former monastery) which are right next door on both sides.

La Recoleta is an up-market area of shops and hotels. In the heart of this sophisticated neighborhood you'll find the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar and next door the Cementario de la Recoleta where Eva Peron - Evita - is buried. Right across from the cemetery are several outdoor cafes, among them Lola, Clark's, Harper's and the famous La Biela. Right in the square is a very large rubber tree, perhaps the biggest in Argentina.

This place keeps treasured memories of the wealthy residents of Buenos Aires past.
A particularly visited site is the tomb of Evita (Duarte). As is commonly known, this famous resident was either deified or reviled, there was nothing in between. It is guarded to prevent someone from desecrating the grave as was done sometime in the past.

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En la Plaza Intendente Albear , más conocida como la Plaza de Francia , en la Recoleta , justo al lado del cementerio , se instala los fines de semana entre las 10 y las 17h , un mercadillo "hippie" con cientos de puestos en los que se venden artesanías , libros antiguos y artículos de diseño
In the Intendente Albear Square , better known as Francia Square , in the Recoleta , just besides the cemetery , it is installed the week ends between 10 and 17h , a "hippie" market with hundred of stalls , where they sell handicrafts , old books and design articles

I am not usually into cemeteries but apparently this is on of the tourist "highlights" in Buenos Aires. This is a chance to see how the other half live... ha ha. This is where the very rich or the very famous are buried and they like to go out in style. The most notable of which is Eva Peron. Be prepared for large crowds and flag waving tour guides. Is it worth it? You decide!!