Downtown

Juan de Garay re-founded Buenos Aires in 1580, just north of Pedro de Mendoza's encampment near Parque Lezama. In accordance with Spanish Law, he laid out the large Plaza del Fuerte (Fortress Plaza), later called the Plaza del Mercado (Market Plaza). The Plaza de la Victoria was laid out after the victories over the British invaders in 1806 and 1807. It acquired its present of Plaza de Mayo after the month in which the Revolution of 1810 occurred.

Major colonial buildings in the centre included the Cabildo, part of which still exists and a church at a site now occupied by the Cathedral Metropolitana. Inside the cathedral is the tomb of the repatriated San Martín, who died in France. In the center of the plaza, the Pirámide de Mayo is a small obelisk over an earlier monument, around which the Madres de la Plaza still march every Thursday afternoon in their unrelenting campaign for a full accounting of Dirty War atrocities.

In the centre of Buenos Aires there is always happening something. Busy with people, strolling on the street of Florida, the main shopping street, the hustle of the outrageous amount of traffic during rush hours, and business people working in the commercial buildings.

Here you can walk on the widest avenue in the world, 9 de Julio, and take a look at one of the most famous statues of Buenos Aires, “el Obelisco. Or simply visit Corrientes Avenue, densely populated with theatres, cinemas, restaurants and bookshops.

Places to visit:

• La Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace): 50 Balcarce. Presidential Palace has a world-famous balcony, which has seen Diego Maradona, Evita Peron addressing the crowds at various stages in Argentina's history. Originally a fortress, the Casa Rosada was remodeled as a palace for the Viceroy, when Buenos Aires became the Capital of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata in 1776. A typical example of French and Italian styles, it gained its bright pink color during the presidency of Sarmiento when, in 1873, he chose the colour because it represented both political sectors – red for the federals and white for the opposing Unitarians.
• Plaza de Mayo: In front of la Casa Rosada, you will find this famous square, where many activities take place such as political demonstrations and the march of the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo.
• Cabildo museum: 65 Bolívar. Situated on Plaza de Mayo and the only surviving Government building from colonial times, the Cabildo was constructed in 1748. Contains a museum featuring watercolors by Enrique Pellegrini together with the original plans for the city and its fort. Admission US$1, open Tues-Frid 12:30pm-7:pm, Sun 3pm-7pm
• Catedral Metropolitana: On the Plaza de Mayo. Famous Catedral, with beautiful neoclassical architecture, in the heart of Buenos Aires. Inside you will find the tomb of Argentina's most famous hero, General Jose de San Martin. Open every day.
• Palacio de Congreso: 1864 Rivadavia. This Palace houses the chambers of the Legislative Power. Has an outstanding dome, and is beautifully lighted by night. For free guided tours in English, Spanish or French call 4959-3000.
• Obelisco: 9 de Julio Avenue, intersection with Corrientes. Most famous statue in Buenos Aires, it is 67,50 metres tall and the only way to go up is by stairs. Not open for the public.
• Teatro Colon: 621 Libertad. Te. 4382-5414/16. This theatre offers facility for ballet, opera and classical music concerts. It can seat 2.500 people and has a beautiful cupola and “golden room” el Salon Dorado. There are guided tours Spanish and English and take pace during the week between 11am and 3pm, on Saturday at 9am and 12am. For tours call: 4378-7132, for shows call: 4378-7344.