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.
Known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Buenos Aires, the Recoleta Cemetery is the final resting place for some of Argentina's most prominent families. A trip to the cemetery is not complete until Eva Peron's gravesite is found. One of the most beloved figures in Argentine history, Evita, is probably the most visited grave in the whole cemetery, and all of Argentina. The grave is difficult to find, hidden amongst the 6,400 tombs in the graveyard town, so just look out for flowers and a large congregation of people taking photos. - Alexandra Lazar
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 historic Subte Line A was inaugurated in December 1913 and is the 13th oldest underground subway line in the world. The length of the original network was approximately 7 kilometers (4.35 miles) and it originated from the Plaza de Mayo to the Plaza Miserere. Today, it extends to the Carabobo, and follows the old route via the Avenue de Mayo and Congreso. The line is further distinguished with running the same wooden cars that were used during its initial journey. These were built by the Belgian company La Brugeoise and is often regarded as heritage on wheels. The stations such as Peru and Congreso on the route retain the ornamentation and beauty from the time.
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.
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.
While Recoleta Cemetery remains a top destination on the sightseeing circuit, many locals and tourists ignore the largest cemetery in Argentina, La Chacarita. In the late 19th Century, when the yellow fever epidemic struck Buenos Aires, many cemeteries in the city were filled to capacity, and others (like Recoleta) refused to bury any victims of the epidemic. The only option for many city dwellers was La Chacarita, and it continued to expand immensely, eventually becoming known as Argentina's national cemetery. Sixteen times bigger than Recoleta, on the 234-acre (95-hectare) land rests influential artists, writers and actors - there are even designated British and German sections. Fun fact: Populist President Juan Perón was buried in Chacarita, even though his wife, Evita, has her gravestone in Recoleta. In 2006 his remains were moved to a mausoleum in his San Vincente.