No other location epitomizes the collective soul of Buenos Aires quite like the Plaza de Mayo. Throughout its history, it has been the city’s main gathering place, both in tragedy and triumph. It has been the center of power for politicians, the people, and more recently South America’s first pope.
Historic buildings and eclectic architecture reflect the many social and political facets of the city’s evolution. Our Argentinian private tour guides will proudly escort you around this celebrated urban center. Additionally, our Buenos Aires private tours can be customized to suit your interests and schedule.
Plaza de Mayo
The Plaza de Mayo is the oldest public square in the Argentine capital. Jesuit priests secured the original two hectare plot all the way back in 1608. In the early 1800s a Romanesque colonnade known as the Antigua Recova was built between the two pieces of land, but by 1884 the city had grown considerably and a larger central plaza was needed. Sadly, the Recova was demolished so that the two pieces of land could be merged.
The pyramid in the center of the plaza was erected in 1811. It marks the spot where, a year earlier, the rebellion that set off Argentina’s march to independence began. The plaza was featured in the film version of the musical ‘Evita’ starring Madonna. The story chronicles the short life of Eva, the much loved wife of former president Juan Peron. Four thousand extras were employed to simulate the enormous crowds who gathered to catch a glimpse of her on the balcony of the president’s office.
During the military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983 the square fell silent, except for the footfalls of the brave mothers and grandmothers of those who had gone missing. The Madres de Mayo started gathering there on Thursdays and can still be seen here today.
Casa Rosada
Of the many buildings that face the plaza, the Casa Rosada is undoubtedly the most famous. The large office of the President of Argentina is situated on the grounds of the settlement’s earliest fort and customs house, and is colloquially known as the ‘Pink House’.
Part of the ‘pink house’ was originally the general post office. However, Julio Roca, the president at the time, was so enamored with the building’s design, that he expropriated it, and ordered an identical structure to be built next to it. An archway was later built to link the two structures. Today, the compound is no longer symmetrical, as a portion on the right was demolished to make way for the city’s expansion.
Official tours are free but operate on weekends only. The in-house Casa Rosada Museum also contains memorabilia related to many of Argentina’s former presidents. English guides are available at 2:30 pm, but we would advise visiting alongside one of our Buenos Aires private guides (who are all fluent in English). They can help you understand the historical nuances of the property, helping you to appreciate more than just the façade of this focal point in Argentinian history.
The Cabildo
Today a museum, the Cabildo of Buenos Aires once served as the residence of the Spanish Viceroy and the seat of the colonial government of the Rio de la Plata (River of Silver).
Few changes were made to the building until near the end of the 19th century when, due to prevailing political ideologies, colonial architecture went out of vogue. A central tower and Italian features were added in the form of columns and statues, and ornate decorative details filled the interior.
In the 1930s, the Commission for the National Museums and Historical Monuments set up headquarters in the Cabildo, and carried out a restoration project in an attempt to recapture some of its former glory. The organization established the National Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution on the premises.
This fascinating museum is open every day except Mondays, and entrance is free! Exhibits include a range of artifacts from the colonial era, and upstairs visitors can look down on the Plaza where the revolution took place. A craft fair is also held in the courtyard on Thursdays and Fridays, where you can pick up some authentic Argentinian souvenirs.
Metropolitan Cathedral
Ryky 91, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
At the foundation of the city, a site was set aside for a mother church. Over the centuries, elements of the Metropolitan Cathedral have been rebuilt several times on these premises. Consequently, the structure represents a flurry of architectural styles, and currently resembles a Greek temple.
The 19th century Neoclassical exterior comprises 12 columns, representing the 12 apostles of the New Testament, all topped by a triangular pediment. A frieze in the frontispiece depicts the biblical account of Joseph’s reunion with his father and brothers, which symbolizes the unification of Argentina.
The dome and the nave were built during the Spanish colonial era, and magnificent wooden altarpieces, pulpits, and statues also date back to this time. Another sight to behold is the well-preserved 3,500 pipe organ made in Germany and installed late in the 19th century. By the turn of the 20th century, frescoes had been applied to the walls and ceilings and Venetian mosaics laid on the floor.
Before assuming the mantle of Pope Francis in 2013, Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio presided over mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral for 20 years. The in-house Pope Francis Museum contains several items of his personal possessions and liturgical paraphernalia. Inside, visitors will also find the mausoleum of General José San Martín, the Father of the Nation, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Like most locations on the plaza, entrance here is also free.
Conclusion
Buenos Aires is consistently ranked as the most visited city in South America, and Plaza de Mayo is a perennial favorite with tourists from all across the globe. The energy and passion of the city is matched only by the people’s attachment to this place.
Contact one of our Buenos Aires private guides to help you unpack everything that this enigmatic city has to offer. They are eager to share their knowledge and experience with you, and will be more than happy to take you on a bespoke Buenos Aires private tour that explores all the city’s highlights.