Palaces – RDZ Photography

Likely one of the most famous buildings in all of Argentina is Casa Rosada. It is the executive mansion and office of the President.

Construction started in 1859, continuing in phases until the 1890s. Prior to that there was a fort on this location dating from the 1500s. The building had served as a customs house and post office before becoming the Presidential Palace.

The same honor guards that man the tomb of San Martin in the Cathedral guard the palace as well, marching back and forth throughout the day.

The Palace is located on the Plaza de Mayo (May).

The courtyard is the home to some excellent palm trees that are 100 years old. Recently one died, and had to be replaced.

The Hall of Busts are of notable Argentinians of the past.

The White Room is used to greet foreign heads of state, as well as the traditional location for the passing of power when a new president is elected, however this year that ceremony moved down the street to the Congress Building.

The tour continued on the 2nd floor.

It took some effort to get tickets to the tour as it is very popular, but well worth the wait.

It was a great 10 days in Buenos Aires. I am not certain what I was expecting but whatever it was, BA exceeded it!

The Nueve de Julio Avenue is the center of the city. Created in the 1930s by wiping out an entire city block wide, and nearly 3 miles long, it is an impressive sight.

The city exists because of the huge estuary of the Rio de La Plata, creating one of the world’s great ports.

The city is full of great architecture starting with the Retiro Train Station.

The Torre Monument is in the plaza in front of Retiro. The tower was completed in 1916 by the same architect who built Big Ben.

Just down the street is the Kavanagh Building, an Art Deco masterpiece.

One of the highlights of the city is the number of ‘Palacios’ remaining from the early 1900s. While there were once more than 100, less than 40 remain, but those that still stand are magnificent.

In addition to the Palacios there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of impressive buildings.

The city was the first city in South America to have a subway, starting over 100 years ago.

As with any city, not all are enjoying the good life. Buenos Aires has some ‘Villa’s, basically shantytowns for the very poor. The city says they have a plan to help improve the lives of the people living in the Villas, but only time will tell.