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Recoleta Buenos Aires

This beautiful and very stylish neighbourhood (barrio) takes its name from the Recoletos Order of Monks who settled the area. The name comes from the Latin and can be used to describe a spiritual retreat.

This barrio can no longer be considered a place for retreat. It is the most expensive district in Buenos Aires (although both Palermo and Puerto Madero are catching-up) and has been safe haven Buenos Aires' elite for many years. Recoleta is one of the quietest and safest barrios with a policeman on nearly every corner. This barrio boasts many international embassies and is home for much of the expatriate diplomatic service. With lots of green space and beautiful parks it is one of my favourite barrios and one I have often called home over the years.

Known as the Paris of South America for its French style architecture and beautiful boulevards the area is filled with art galleries, couture shopping, trendy bars and some of the finest restaurants and wine bars you will find in Buenos Aires. If you book mark this link, I will be reviewing the good eateries later this year.

During the weekend, Francia Square's visitors can enjoy of one of the largest craft fairs and bargain their way to some of the best locally designed jewellery and art-de-object I have seen anywhere in the world. Click here to see Recoleta's Buenos Aires best selection of budget to luxury apartments.

Some of the most important attractions are:

Recoleta Cemetery: It constitutes one of the three most important cemeteries in the world. It was built in 1822 and has suffered various remodelling that has angered many an ancestor. Its architecture captures the opulence of the dominant classes that settled Buenos Aires between 1880 and 1930. This vast monument of a bygone age presents a startling historical journey and a good guide will open your eyes to one of South America's most important capital cities and its great historical figures. Nearly 6500 tombs hold the great and the good, Eva Peron, who died in 1952, lies in the Recoleta cemetery. Her life immortalised by many writers and that dreadful show song, 'Don't cry for me Argentina.' It is located at 1760 JunÃn Street.

La Biela: This cafe store has been famous since 1942. It was rebuilt in 1975 due a fire. It is located on the corner of Quintana and Roberto M. Ortiz.

Iglesia del Pilar: This church is the second oldest in Buenos Aires and it was inaugurated in 1732 by the architect Jesuit Andres Blanqui. It is located at 1920 JunÃn Street.

Recoleta Cultural Centre: This was first a place of worship, and then its function was replaced by Iglesia del Pilar. It was converted into a hospital during the British Invasions in 1806, as an academy of art in 1815 and then an asylum until it was re-built by the architect Juan Buschiazzo in 1858. In 1979 it became a cultural centre which was designed by Jacques Bedel, Luis Benedit and Clorindo Testa. It is located at 1940 JunÃn Street.

Palais de Glace: It was an ice skating rink, giving it its current name. In 1931 it was remodelled by the architect Bustillo, who converted it into an exhibition centre leaving intact the original structures. It possesses a large glass dome with lamps that provide natural illumination. It is located at 1725 Posadas Street.