Recoleta: Opulence and Splendor of Argentinian Aristocracy

Without a doubt, this is the city's most elegant district. The opulence of the houses and manors symbolizes the splendor of the Argentine aristocracy. The area is a meeting point for tourists and locals with an interest in international design and aesthetics.

During the day, take a stroll through the gardens of Plaza Francia, which fills each weekend with dancers, living statues, street artists and astrologers. At the adjacent Buenos Aires Design, the traveler can find souvenirs and a plethora of fine restaurants. Other areas of interest located around Plaza Francia include the Centro Cultural Recoleta, the Palais de Glace, and the famous "City of the Dead."

Tourism in Recoleta Area

At the back of the Recoleta church, towards Pueyrredón Avenue, took place the corrals, slaughter houses and the cart roads off north; this caused a population of river-side men, laborers and thugs which lodged in the "pulperías" (cantins). In this atmosphere it is where its said that the tango was born, in the middle of tenancies and bars, danced in the Armenonville of Libertador and Tagle street in 1888; later, also, in the Palais de Glace. Nowadays, the district of the Recoleta is considered not only a site of deep historical interest but also the most glamorous neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. Within the distance of a few blocks exists several Cultural Museums and Centers, parks, fairs, museums, bars and restaurants of excelency (enter the site for specific information). The Recoleta, mainly well-known by the Cemetery, pantheon of the country (part of our history is buried along its 6400 vaults), also offers the visitor a long list of touristic places. In the intersection of Libertador Avenue and Alvear stands the Palais de Glace (Posadas street), early an ice skating track (thats where its name cames from, "ice palace"). Nowadays it has become an art gallery.The Palais de Glace faces the Brigadier Carlos Maria de Alvear monument, a military man and politician of our country. The piece was crafted by Antoine Bourdelle, and is one of his more important art works. It is great monument which pedestal holds 4 allegorical figures that lean in each one of their 4 corners and that symbolize the force, the freedom, the eloquence and the victory.At the other side of the Figueroa Alcorta Avenue stands the Municipal Pavilion of Exhibitions, and at its right side, there is the Carlos Thays park.On Libertador Avenue and towards Palermo district is Francia Park and the France monument, a gift from the country of France in occasion of the celebration of the Revolution of May (1910). Very near, on the same avenue, stands the building of the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. From there, crossing Figueroa Alcorta avenue, stands the Faculty of Right, which has an entrance of great dimensions; there is a peatonal bridge that crosses the avenue, made from a reinforced concrete lamina of exquisit simplicity and beauty. Walking by the Museum park, with beautiful woods and child games, many sculptures please the view and offer different attractions. Crossing Libertador Avenue is the Mitre Park, that offers beautiful ravines and leafy trees, and unfolds to show the Monument of Bartolomé Mitre. Passing by the monument, in a continuity of beautiful trees and hills, is the British Embassy, and the bust of General Gelly and Obes, outstanding figure in the War of Paraguay; surrounded by modern buildings of very exclusive departments, this monument is the starting point of mnay different streets and avenues. To the left; the perrons towards Pueyrredón ave., known for its beautiful balustrades and sculptures. At the right side, the building of the National Library.