One of the most residential, elegant and well known areas of Buenos Aires. Recoleta means “a place for spiritual retreat”, and it certainly continues that tradition, over 300 years after its main church, Iglesia del Pilar, was built. It stands out for its green spaces, exclusive avenues, embassies, bars and first rate restaurants. This elegant district has a european reminiscense; the architecture evoques images of France, with beautiful boulevards full of trees that guide you to the restaurant and caffés, boutiques and gallerias. Recoleta has a very active nightlife. The variaty of restaurants, pubs and nightclubs concentrate on the streets that surround the famous cementery (Junin, Azcuenaga and Vicente Lopez). During the weekends you can enjoy the extense Crafts Fair and free shows that go from music to theather. The air is impregnated with elegance, sophistication and glamour.
Some of the main attractions are:
- La Biela: This particular café has been famous since 1942. It used to draw young racing-drivers and fans. It was reconstructed after a fire in 1975. It is still a traditional meeting place. (Quintana and Roberto M. Ortiz)
- Recoleta Cemetery: One of the 3 most important cemeteries of the world, created originally in 1822 and remodelled in many oportunities. The cost of these mausoleums reflects the opulence of the domint upper class between 1880 and 1930. They are symbols of status and power, as most are made with materials imported from France and Italy. Most of the tombs are national historical monuments because the great men who made Argentine history lie there, such as ex prsidents or Evita Peron, who died in 1952. (Junín 1760)
- Iglesia del Pilar: It is the second-oldest church in Buenos Aires, inaugurated in 1732. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Pilar, by Jesuit architect Andres Blanqui. The interior has a Jesuit style. (Junín 1920)
- Recoleta Cultural Centre: It started as a chapel, that was later replaced by Iglesia del Pilar. It also functioned as a hospital during British Invasion in 1806, art academy in 1815 and a charitable society and asylum till it was remodelled by architect Juan Buschiazzo in 1858. It became a cultural centre in 1979, under a design by Jacques Bedel, Luis Benedit and Clorindo Testa. It has an auditorium, an exhibition area in the cloisters, a library called “The Eternauta” and a Music, Sound and Image Department. Specially for kids is the Participative Science Museum, called “Forbidden to not touch”, which provides an ideal outing for families because it allows kids to carry out scientific experiments in hand-on games. (1940 Junín)
- Palais de Glace: Its name refers to the many years during which it was an ice skating rink. In 1931 architect Bustillo remodelled it , converting the interior into exhibition areas while leaving the original structure intact. The building is crowned by a large glass cupola with lamps which provides natural illumination. It is now an exhibition hall. (1725 Posadas)
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