Buenos Aires has much to offer the visitor, and taking a tour of
one of this great cities amazing buildings is certainly worth while.
With so many things to see and do, it can be hard to get round to seeing
and doing everything. To help you plan your time in Buenos Aires to the
maximum, here are 5 recommended Tours of Historical Buildings in Buenos
Aires.1) La Casa Rosada
If you happen to be in Buenos Aires on a weekend or public holiday, make sure to take a tour of the famous Casa Rosada. This Pink coloured building is the official seat of the executive branch of the Government of Argentina, and is where the nations president works. La Casa Rosada is of important significance to Argentineans, as it has played a big part in the nations history. La Casa Rosada offers visitors complimentary tours of the building on weekends and public holidays, from 10am to 5pm.
Visitors are shown around a number of rooms including the Presidents Office, with guide's giving a short explanation about each room. One of La Casa Rosada's most significant features is one of it's balconies which overlooks Plaza de Mayo. It has been used as a podium by many historical figures, including Evita Perón and Diego Maradona. It is best to try and visit as early as possible as queues tend to build up in the afternoon. Behind La Casa Rosada is El Museo del Bicentenario (The Bicentennial Museum). This is also worth visiting as it categorises much of Argentina's past both culturally and politically.
2) Manzana de Las Luces
Located close to La Casa Rosada is Manzana de Las Luces (The Square of Enlightenment). This is a whole city block of historical buildings dating back to the 17th century. It was created as a place of learning by Jesuit priests. Visitors to Manzana de Las Luces can enjoy popular guided tours of these historic buildings and spaces. The tours take in the main areas of the complex, including the former House of Representatives, where a number of Presidents were sworn in, and a part of the underground tunnels.
The tunnels were built by the Jesuits and once linked the complex with other city institutions and buildings. Tours usually take place daily in the afternoons. The tour finishes at an Antiques and Crafts Market within the complex. The market sells all sorts including souvenirs, jewellery, gifts and antiques amongst many others.
3) El Zanjón
Sticking to a tunnel theme you can venture into the bohemian neighbourhood of San Telmo to El Zanjón. This is a restored 19th century mansion with old underground tunnels. The site is linked to the very early days of Buenos Aires development, making El Zanjón one of the most important archeological sites in the city of Buenos Aires. A tour of El Zanjón offers an in-depth look into the history of Buenos Aires, and how it has changed down the centuries. Tour guides give the visitor an understanding of not only the cities history but also those who inhabited the building. Artefacts that were found during the renovation of the building and tunnels are on exhibit.
4) Palacio del Congreso
Heading back to a political theme, a tour of the very impressive 'El Palacio del Congreso' is worthwhile. This is the seat of Argentina's National Senate located at the end of Avenida de Mayo. The huge green-dome at the top of the building of the Palace is said to have been modelled on Washington's Capitol building.
Complimentary guided tours of the building generally take place during the week in the late afternoon, except on Wednesdays when the house is in session. On the tour visitors are taken around the main senate rooms and chambers. The entrance to the building tour is on the Hipolito Yrigoyen Street side of the building. Make sure you bring some ID and dress appropriately. El Palacio del Congreso is centrally located in Buenos Aires which is handy. On a fine day, it is nice to sit down on a bench and relax in the plaza opposite.
5) Palacio Barolo
A tour of the Palacio Barolo Building really is highly recommended. Located along Avenida de Mayo, the buildings Italian architect, Mario Palanti, based much of his design on Dante Alighieri's classic poem, the Devine Comedy. He hide various messages from the Devine Comedy in the architecture. The building itself has 22 floors. Palanti categorised these into 3 sections related to the poem. The basement and ground floor represent Hell, floors 1 to 14 make up Purgatory, with floors 15 to 22 personifying paradise.
Guided tours of El Palacio Barolo take place during the week. Visitors are taken up up through the building, stopping at different points where guides explain some of the interesting facts about the building and the architecture. The highlight of the tour is the light house and viewing gallery at the top of the building. Here you can enjoy a a 360 degree view over Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires is packed full of great buildings and landmarks. Make sure to allocate the time to visit some of them and find out about their history when in Buenos Aires.
Philip is a Content Producer for the innovative travel website http://www.sightseer.tv/buenosaires/tours.
Since a young age he has travelled extensively around the world. Philip
has also spent a number of years living in various countries including
the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, South Africa and Argentina. He
has a passion for travel and enjoys passing on his experiences and
knowledge, as well as learning from others. Email:
philip.egan@sightseer.tv
Article Source:
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