Retiro is one of the most touristic neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. As you explore it, you retrace the steps of history, through iconic monuments and buildings. Many of them were once the residence of the City’s wealthiest and most powerful families, today embassies and government buildings.
Retiro also reflects a rich European heritage, evident in every architectural detail. On this tour, we invite you to explore these urban gems.
Palacio San Martín
This sumptuous palace, built in the early XNUMXth century, was designed by architect Alejandro Christophersen,commissioned by Mercedes Castellanos de Anchorena. The building, which combines elements of French academicism and Bourbon style, is made up of three independent residences that converge in a central hall.
In 1936 the national government acquired the palace to house the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the ceremonial headquarters are currently located.
Its exuberant façade features convex mansards, domes, chimneys, portholes, columns and pilasters, creating a sculptural volumetry whose finest expression is the beautiful wrought-iron and glass pavilion of the winter garden. The building’s exterior is finished with stone-effect plaster, also known as Paris stone.
Guided tours are available, clicking here
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hUBmYxzEjXMwFr1t6
Palacio de Paz
Palacio de Paz was the largest and one of the most luxurious residences in Ciudad de Buenos Aires. It is a faithful representation of the early 20th century Beaux-Arts architecture. Its main entrance is on Avenida Santa Fe, opposite Plaza San Martín. Since 1938, it has served as the headquarters of the Military Circle.
The design of Palacio Paz was conceived in France by architect Henri Sorteais. The building features an iron and bronze portico, and in the entrance hall, made of marble in Baroque style, one of General San Martín’s sabres stands out. The staircases are also made of marble.
Los interiors are characterized by a mix of styles: the two large dining rooms are in the Neo-Gothic style, while the grand gallery is in the Renaissance style. The ballroom is reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles.
Currently, the Palace is open for guided tours or just to take a stroll and explore its interior. The acoustics of the hall, as well as the one of its rooms, allow for regular music shows and opera performances.
On Palacio de Paz visitors can also enjoy excellent cuisine. On the second floor, you can find the Salón Comedor de Croque Madame, while on the ground floor, next to the gardens, there is a café for those who prefer the outdoors.
Location: https://g.co/kgs/5WMuj7g
Torre Monumental
Torre Monumental, popularly known as the “Torre de los Ingleses”, is another landmark that you can find in Retiro. Located in thePlaza Fuerza Aérea Argentina, it was built by British residents to commemorate the centenary of the May Revolution.
The XNUMX-metre tall Tower was designed by architect Ambrose MacDonald Poynter and is clad in a combination of red bricks and carved stone. The structure is set on a base with four staircases on each side and drainage outlets on its corners.
Built in the Renaissance style, the Tower features lanterns of English origin and on the corners there are four fountains adorned with lion heads. On the first floor, above the main entrance, you can see the coats of arms of Argentina and the United Kingdom. The tower is topped by a dome, covered with copper sheets, crowned by a weather vane that represents an Elizabethan era frigate.
An internal lift leads to a terrace where the clock is located. The chimes that mark the quarter hours imitate those of Westminster Abbey. The official inauguration took place on May 24th, 1916.
The Tower is open to the public daily.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/azY3j8cQ66AD6sdQ9
Mercado de los Carruajes
Mercado de los Carruajes, located in Av. Alem, was historically the site of the "Presidential Garages” in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Covering 4,200 square metres it is part of the City’s Historical Heritage. The market houses over 40 shops selling national and international products.
It is a two-storey building featuring a terrace and ornamental and vertical gardens. The commercial area is on the ground floor, while various types of shops coexist on the first floor and terrace.
The original construction was carried out in the late 1900th century by architect Emilio Agrelo who built it with San Isidro bricks, in the Italian style and it was inaugurated in the year XNUMX. The façade, which is a Historical Heritage Site, was preserved and restored.
Among its wide range of products, you can find typical products such as Patagonian jams and vinegars, as well as gluten-free pasta, teas, wines under the Mercado de los Carruajes brand and household goods.
There are also some internationally renowned brands, such as a famous Spanish chocolate shop that makes scissor-cut churros, as well as pulled vermouth served alongside a delicious tapa selection, fondue and raclettes, a cheese and deli shop with premium Argentine products, homemade fried and baked empanadas with traditional and vegan fillings, specialty breweries, first-class cafés, amazing barbecues and also organic and Japanese food.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hHtRgk63ARxBv5kg6
We look forward to seeing see you in Retiro soon to enjoy its architectural beauty!