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Best Landmarks in Buenos Aires

, 15 Options Found

The magnificence of the Teatro Colon is well known to the music-loving world. Touted to be one of the best opera houses in the world, it is the epitome of architectural opulence combined with technical excellence. Inaugurated on May 25, 1908, with the opera Aida by Giuseppe Verdi, the theater's impeccable architecture reflects the sheer beauty of the Italian Renaissance. The early construction of the theater was finished in 1908 under the mastery of Charles Pellegrini. For 30 years, it took the western classical music world by storm with its perfect acoustics. Once the theater started declining, massive efforts were undertaken to restore the glory of this marvel. Today, the elaborate plaster moldings, the gargantuan chandelier amidst the colorful frescoes and the sweeping staircases of the intricately carved foyer manage to capture the hearts of art and music lovers. The world's finest ballets and operas including those of Tchaikovsky, Verdi and Puccini have been performed here at numerous galas. Ranked among the top five performance venues in the world in terms of acoustic excellence, Teatro Colón defines unparalleled opulence.

La Recoleta Cemetery, once a church graveyard, was opened for the public in 1882. Located in one of the most affluent barrios of Buenos Aires, the cemetery is a surprising contrast to the conventional ideas of eerie and dark graveyards around the world. Touted to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, La Recoleta houses over 6,000 final resting places, including those of some of the most notable people. While the neo-classical gates open to the poignant premises, the architecture of some of the mausoleums is intricate and varied. From Baroque to Art Deco, several mausoleums and graves line the shadowy walkways. Former Argentine presidents, actors, writers are interred inside the mausoleums of this cemetery. Tombstone of Eva Peron, one of the most influential First Ladies of the country, lies in the cemetery and it is also one of the most visited graves.

The University of Buenos Aires Law School, known as the Facultad de Derecho, is one of the most prestigious law schools in all of Latin America. This impressive building, located within walking distance of the Recoleta Cemetery, was constructed in 1949 with massive columns aligning the entrance. This is one of thirteen buildings that make up the University of Buenos Aires. The central hall of the building is known as the "salón de los pasos perdidos," and is a common place to host events such as art exhibits or dinners. - Alexandra Lazar

The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral faces the historic city center Plaza de Mayo and is one of the most significant churches in Buenos Aires. This Catholic cathedral was finished in 1862 when the facade and the imposing Corinthian columns of the pronaos at the entrance were completed. A mix of various architectural styles like Neo-Baroque and Neo-Renaissance are evident here. Its renaissance elements include the tiled dome and the architectural floor plan of a Latin cross, comprised of three naves, divided by pilasters and interconnected chapels. The Baroque altar made in the Rococo style is an opulent relic of history. Frescoes and paintings depicting scenes from the Bible are some of the sights which simply cannot be missed. The remains of the Great Liberator General José de San Martín rest in a guarded mausoleum, flanked by three statues representing Liberty, Commerce and Labour along with seals of the nation's neighboring countries of Chile and Peru.

This plaza, founded in October 1909, comprises some 15,400 square meters (165,764 square feet) of local flora surrounded by cultural centers and the largest outdoor handicrafts fair in the city, La Feria de Recoleta, taking place every Sunday. The appropriately named Francia a Argentina monument at its center was donated in 1910 by France to Argentina commemorating the Centennial of the Revolution of May. The Museum of Fine Arts, monolithic National Library and imposing University Faculty of Law flank the area.

In 1914, French landscaper Carlos Thays designed the notorious El Rosedal, a luscious "rose garden", as the name translates, budding in Parque 3 de Febrero. Red gravel snakes through an endless rainbow bloom of 15,000 rosebushes of 1189 different species. There are plenty of pleasant seating areas to relax and enjoy the colorful waves of flowers. A stunning display of green and trees also feature at El Rosedal, from palms to evergreens. Beautiful surprises speckle the garden, especially the Garden of Poets, a beautiful dedication that adds to the splendor of this Buenos Aires treasure. Relax and enjoy the freshened air.

It is difficult to imagine the happening neighborhood of Puerto Madero as a dilapidated port that was once left unattended. Puerto Madero was built in the 19th Century with the purpose of accommodating cargo ships that couldn't find a suitable place thanks to shallow river waters. As cargo ships grew larger, the brick docks soon became defunct and were lined with abandoned warehouses. The restoration of the port started in the 1990s to change the face of this old port and how! Considered to be one of the most chic areas of the city, Puerto Madero's old warehouses are now replaced with postmodernist corporate centers and luxury hotels. The traditional buildings have been maintained even in the face of this massive refurbishment. While the towering condominiums and Hilton skyscrapers dominate the skyline, the Renaissance Revival Libertador Building that houses the Argentine Ministry of Defence looks just as magnificent. The district is thriving with commercial establishments, residential lofts and quaint sidewalk cafes. Naval museums housed in historic ships of Argentine Armada, Corbeta Uruguay and the Fragata Sarmiento are moored along the walkway in the dock area. The ecological reserve nestled amidst the Rio de la Plata that falls in this neighborhood is ideal for pedestrians, locals, tourists who want to enjoy bird watching or gaze at the yachts in the glistening waters.

This monolith is a meeting place for political demonstrations, musical performances and celebrations over victories of the national soccer team. Dating back to 1936, it was built to commemorate the anniversary of Buenos Aires' first foundation. It measures 70 meters (230 feet) high and is made of reinforced concrete. Inside, a 200-hundred-step stairway is used to perform maintenance jobs from the top. After the sunset, the obelisk shines thanks to the white lights, but the gleams of surrounding neon billboards is what gives the area its unique and colorful glow.

While Plaza de Mayo is flanked by some of the most important national monuments, Casa Rosada stands out as the most awe-inspiring among them. Tinted with a warm shade of pink, this Rose House is the opulent residence of the President of Argentina. The palace was formerly a fort, built in the year 1580 by Juan de Garay, along with the very foundations of Buenos Aires and Plaza de Mayo. The characteristic neoclassical portico was commissioned by President Bernardino Rivadavia in the year 1820. The iconic pink color is a result of President Domingo Sarmiento's efforts towards the beautification of the former fort. The red and white colors of Argentina's two opposing parties, Federalists and Unitarians respectively, were mixed to paint the exteriors of the palace, as a way to minimize political differences. The palace is a fine example of a melange of Italianate and Eclectic architectural styles. The interiors of the palace comprising of grand salons and chambers are drenched in Baroque influences with gilded carvings. A museum behind the main palace exhibits the Presidential history of Argentina with a plethora of historical memorabilia. A national historic monument and one of the most emblematic structures of Argentina, the Pink Palatial Residence is a stellar example of architectural excellence.

From mass demonstrations, political rallies and protests to citizens quietly zooming around catering to their chores, the opulent heritage buildings and monuments of Plaza de Mayo have witnessed everything. The origin of the plaza is as old as the city itself and was founded by Juan de Garay in 1580. Named after the May Revolution, the plaza has been the center of politics of Buenos Aires and harbors some of the most important structures. The oldest monument of the city, Pirámide de Mayo is a white obelisk with an allegorical statue representing liberty perched on the top end. The grandeur of Italianate mansion Casa Rosada which is the official residence of the President of Argentina, cannot be missed as it sets the magnificent backdrop of the monumental obelisk. The town hall, national bank and Catedral Metropolitana are some of the major significant buildings that flank the plaza. The city square comes alive with the multi-hued illuminations and lights after sundown.

This monument was inaugurated in 1811 to commemorate the May Revolution (1810). The master mason, Cañete, constructed a 15-meter (49-feet) tall obelisk of adobe bricks, surrounded by railings. In 1856 the monument underwent some remodeling; bricks and plaster were added to increase its volume. A statue of a woman symbolizing the new Republic was also set atop it, while allegorical sculptures representing the arts, agriculture, and sciences were positioned around the base. In 1884, new land development projects called for the monument to be relocated to its present site.

A barrio that gets its name from its Genoese influence, La Boca is one of the liveliest of Buenos Aires' 48 neighborhoods. This spirited neighborhood that is located at the mouth of the Matanza River features a distinct personality, one that is interspersed with Italian influences. At the heart of La Boca lies El Caminito, a cobbled walkway memorable for its ragtag of colored houses, derived from a rich immigrant history. The colors have remained a cultural staple of the area to this day. Amid this cornucopia of houses, small open spaces are dominated by buskers, vendors and tango artists. A cultural spirit grips this neighborhood, as can be seen from captivating theatrical and musical performances at El Teatro de La Ribera and traditional troupes that perform at the vibrant Feria de Artesanos Caminito street fair. La Boca is also renowned as being home to Boca Juniors, one of the premier soccer clubs in the world.

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