Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina and one of the most important cities in South America, an unmissable destination during a trip across this fascinating country. Cosmopolitan, eclectic, typically Euorpean in its atmospheres, Buenos Aires or "Baires" as the locals call it, was established in 1580 by Juan de Garay and, initially capital of Rio de la Plata Viceroyalty by order of the King of Spain, it was later occupied by the British settlers for a short time.
The main square, Plaza de Mayo, commemorates the May Revolution, which took place in 1810 and gave rise to independence wars. Nowadays the capital is among the liveliest cities in America. If you are planning a trip, here is what you should absolutely see.
Location of Buenos Aires
The autonomous city of Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, is one of the major metropolis of South America. Located in the north of the country, the capital stands on the banks of the Rio del Plata, which borders it to the south. The south-eastern border of the city is instead marked by the Matanza-Riachuelo river, while the Avenida General Paz marks the border to the north, west and south-west.
The Argentine capital is located in the pampa and is characterized by the so-called pampean climate, a type of humid subtropical climate.
The top 10 attractions in the Argentinian capital city
Buenos Aires is a city full of surprises: in addition to being home to one of the main ports in South America, it hosts a third of the population of the entire nation. Here's what to see in this ever-changing metropolis.
La Boca
La Boca is a district of Buenos Aires, on the bank of Riachuela river. During a trip to Buenos Aires it is a must-see attraction, especially due to the colorful houses of the street called "Caminito". During the colonial period, the district of La Boca was inhabited by the black slaves even if, in the late 19th century, it began to be populated by immigrants from Genoa who changed its aspect. The houses of Caminito are colorful due to the tradition imported by the Italian immigrants, who used to paint their homes with ship paint. Nowadays, tourists from all over the world come to La Boca to see them.
Casa Rosada
Casa Rosada, meaning "Pink House", is the seat of the Argentinian government and is home to the President's offices. It's recognizable thanks to its color and is located in Plaza de Mayo. It also hosts Museo del la Casa del Gobierno, displaying objects relating to the history of Argentine presidents. It is said that the pink color was ordered by President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento as a symbol of unity between the two opposite parties after the fights of the 19th century.
Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo, built in 1580, is the main square in Buenos Aires. In Plaza de Mayo the most important buildings of the capital city are located, including the cathedral and Casa Rosada. Its name, "May Square", commemorates the revolution of May 1810, the event which started the wars for independence from Spain. Plaza de Mayo is also the place where, every Thursday, the mothers of the desaparecidos of the military dictatorship, gather to remember their missing sons.
Buenos Aires Obelisk
Buenos Aires Obelisk is situated in Plaza de la República, between Avenida Corrientes and 9 de Julio. It was erected to commemorate the four hundred years from the foundation of the city. 63 meters tall, it has only one door. You can climb to the top through the 206 steps inside it. A curiosity: on the southern side of the obelisk there is an inscription with a sonnet for the monument itself by poet Baldomero Fernández Moreno.
Recoleta Cemetery
The cemetery of Recoleta, in the quarter of Recoleta, is the most famous historic cemetery in Argentina. Its entrance is marked by Doric columns and hosts around 4,800 tombs and mausoleums, adorned by statues. It is made up of several sections, seprated by tree-lined avenues and a circular square in the middle with a statue of Christ made by sculptor Pedro Zonza Briano.
Colón Theater
Colón Theater in Buenos Aires is one of the largest lyrical theaters in the world and one of the best for acoustics. It's located near Avenida 9 de Julio.
Parque Tres de Febrero
Parque Tres de Febrero or Bosques Palermo is one of the main parks in Buenos Aires, located in Palermo quarter. Vistors and local people love it for its rose gardens, woods and small lakes. It also hosts Buenos Aires planetarium.
National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts is a diffused museum, meaning that its art works are hosted partly in Buenos Aires and partly in Neuquén. Its collection is the largest and richest in the country and is among the most prominent of South America.
Belgrano
Belgrano is a district north of Buenos Aires, famous because it's inhabited by the wealthiest citizens. Its name derives from that of General Manuel Belgrano, who created the Argentine flag. Traditionally it is the "district of the rich", because in 1870 the noble families started to move here to escape the epidemy of yellow fever spreading in the city. Subdivided into different sections, it hosts museums such as Casa de Valetín Alsina e il Museo Histórico Sarmiento. Belgrano is also full of several squares and parks.
Lezama Park
Lezama Park is a park of the city located among Calle Defensa, Calle Brasil, Avenida Martin García y Paseo Colón in San Telmo quarter. You can recognize it from the tree-lined avenues and the amphitheater. It also hosts the National History Museum.
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