Experience – Buenos Aires, Argentina: La Recoleta Cemetary
- Address: Junín 1760, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Junín & Guido) (Google Maps)
- Hours: Monday – Sunday, 7:30 am – 5:30 pm
- Recommended Time: 2 hours
- How to arrive: By car, walking
- Price: Free
- Ideal Month(s): October – April
La Recoleta Cemetery is arguably Buenos Aires’ number-one attraction. While that might seem strange, or even morbid, the cemetery’s stunning architecture is a must-see. This city of the dead is filled with countless ‘streets’ that are lined with impressive statues and marble mausoleums. Past presidents, socialites, military heroes, and influential politicians occupy the dusty coffins inside the cemetery gates.
Over 6,400 statues, sarcophagi, coffins and crypts commemorate some of Argentina’s most celebrated sons and daughters. The most visited tombs are those of Eva Perón and former Argentine presidents Sarmiento and Raúl Alfonsín. The land, which belonged to the Recollect monks from which the neighborhood took its name, became the city’s first public cemetery in 1822.
Free tours are offered in English at 11am Tuesday and Thursday and in Spanish at 11am and 3pm from Tuesday to Friday.
