Its interior includes a central nave opening up to two chapels. It sits across from the Recoleta Cemetery, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Basilica de Nuestra Senora Del Pilar History

Construction of the church was authorised in 1716 by royal decree of Felipe V of Spain. Merchant Juan de Narbona sponsored the building of the work under the condition that the church remain under the dedication to the Virgin of Pilar in memory and tribute to his hometown of Zaragoza Spain.

It is believed that Italian Jesuit Andrés Bianchi was the original architect on the project. The first cloister was finished in 1718 and the second in 1721. In 1725 the church was completed and the San Antonio de Padua bell was placed on the belfry in 1731. The 30-meter tower was completed and the church was inaugurated on 12 October 1732. It is the oldest church in the city, preserved in its original Baroque style. The Franciscan Bishop of Asunción de Paraguay consecrated the church on 30 May 1734.

In 1821, Governor Martín Rodríguez and his Minister of Government Bernardino Rivadavia expelled the Recollect friars and expropriated their property. The convent was closed for years and the Recoleta Cemetery was created on the site that had been its garden. The Recoleta Cultural Centre was created on the site of other monastic dependencies. On 18 November 1829, it became a parish and Pope Pius XI elevated it to the dignity of a minor basilica in 1936.

Basilica de Nuestra Senora Del Pilar was declared a National Historic Monument in 1942. In 1994, a restoration project of the church began, recovering the white colour on its façade, as the enhancement of each altar.

Basilica de Nuestra Senora Del Pilar Today

Inside the building, there is a small museum area home to religious vestaments, paintings, writings and artefacts. There are views of the Recoleta cemetery and in the courtyard, as you enter, a tiled artwork depicts 1794 Buenos Aires.

Getting to Basilica de Nuestra Senora Del Pilar

The Basilica is situated in Recoleta district in the Barrio Norte area, to the immediate right of the Recoleta Cemetery. The Agüero and Facultad de Medicina underground stations are both in walking distance.

History of Casa Rosada

The area on which Casa Rosada is located was once by the sea and in the late sixteenth century was the site of the Royal Fort of San Juan Baltasar de Austria built under the orders of Don Juan de Garay. It underwent a variety of changes: in 1713, the fort was demolished and rebuilt as the Castillo de San Miguel, the centre of colonial government. Following independence, architectural changes were made, but eventually the building was demolished in 1857 on the orders of President Justo José de Urquiza, who had the fort renovated which stood there, creating a customs house which would become Casa Rosada.

The Casa Rosada gets its name from the pink colour – legend says this was a political choice, a mixing of the red and white colours of the two opposing political parties at the time, but in all likelihood it was a practicality: white paint was often mixed with animal blood to help prevent the damaging effects of humidity. The design is known as Second Empire architecture.

The building was renovated and decorated in the 1860, first by Bartolomé Mitre and then by Domingo Sarmiento, transforming it into a presidential residence.

Probably the most famous aspect of Casa Rosada is its association with Eva Peron or “Evita”, the wife of President Juan Peron who addressed the people from its balcony in 1951, when the two ran on a joint President-Vice President ticket. Reportedly this was the largest public outpouring of support for any female figure in history.

Casa Rosada today

Casa Rosada is open to the public via pre-booked guided tour only: these operate at weekends, and you’ll need to bring ID to be admitted.

The Museo Casa Rosada is located behind the main palace, which houses exhibitions dedicated to Argentina’s political history – it’s a fascinating journey through several centuries of turmoil. There are also a selection of artefacts and restored murals by David Alfaro Siqueiros

Behind Casa Rosada are the little known 18th century catacombs of Fuerte Viejo, which are worth a visit.

Getting to Casa Rosada

Casa Rosada is on the east side of the Plaza de Mayo – the nearest metro station is Plaza de Mayo, and multiple bus routes stop on the square.

History of Catedral Metropolitana

Buenos Aires was founded in 1580 by Juan de Garay: simultaneously, a spot on the main square (now known as Plaza de Mayo) was reserved for a church. The first church was part of the diocese of Asunción (in modern day Paraguay), and was built of wood. In 1620, Buenos Aires was given a bishopric by Pope Paul V, which gave its church the status of a cathedral.

Multiple rebuildings occurred during the 17th and 18th centuries, often using poor quality building materials. The current cathedral was designed by an Italian architect, Antonio Masella, in the mid 18th century – it was grander and more majestic than any incarnations which had come before it, but still faced issues with the construction of the dome, which proved problematic.

The neoclassical façade was added in the 19th century, inspired by the Palais Bourbon in Paris. The addition of the portico has led to many saying the building resembles a temple as opposed to a church. The reliefs on the pediment depict the reunion of Joseph with his father Jacob, and his brothers – an allegory of the Argentine nation being together in harmony once more following several wars of fratricide. 

The cathedral’s modern day claim to fame comes from it being the cathedral and diocese where Jorge Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires from 1998 to 2013.

As the main church of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, Catedral Metropolitana forms the centre of catholic life in the city. Catedral Metropolitana contains the mausoleum of General San Martin, a central figure in Argentina’s struggle for independence from Spain. It also houses the tomb of the unknown soldier of Argentine independence and an eternal flame of remembrance.

Catedral Metropolitana today

The cathedral is open every day – check mass times as you won’t be allowed in unless you’re attending during service times. Entry is free, although donations are welcome, and you’ll need to dress conservatively – Argentina is still a Catholic country and it’s a mark of respect to cover up when entering.

The baroque interior is particularly impressive, as is the rococo altar. Look out for the mausoleum of Argentina’s independence hero, General José de San Martín – the flame outside representing his spirit being kept alive.

Getting to Catedral Metropolitana

The cathedral is on the north side of Plaza de Mayo: the nearest metro stop is Catedral, and buses stop close by, on Avenida Rivadavia.

History of the Cathedral of Córdoba

Not to be confused with the cathedral in the Spanish city, building works for the original Cathedral of Córdoba began in the late 1500s. Constructed by largely indigenous labourers, the early cathedral was planned by the architect Nicolás de Dios, public works director Gregorio Ferreira and master mason Juan Rodríguez.

The original building suffered significantly after a collapse in 1677. The church that followed was planned based on the outline of the Jesuit Church of the Gesù in Rome, in the shape of a Latin cross. Though unfinished, it was inaugurated in 1709 before future embellishments were incorporated into the structure.

These included the cupola, Spanish Baroque façade, and the Neoclassical portico. The Italian architect Andrea Blanqui was involved in these works in the early 18th century. He designed numerous churches in contemporary Argentina.

Prominent historical figures from the province of Córdoba and the country of Argentina have been buried in the cathedral. They include the Argentine military figure, General José María Paz (1791-1854), who participated in the Argentine War of Independence and the Argentine Civil War, as well as his wife.

The clergyman Gregorio Funes (1749-1829) and Bishops of Córdoba Mamerto Esquiú (1826-1883) and Hernando de Trejo y Sanabria (1547-1614) are also buried in the cathedral. These burials are situated in the narthex of the cathedral and adjacent crypts.

The interior walls of the cathedral were decorated with murals and frescoes in the early 20th century. The cathedral also features a sterling silver altar from Colonial Peru and a church tabernacle that was donated in 1804.

Cathedral of Córdoba today

The Cathedral of Córdoba is the central church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Córdoba. It is one of many historical monuments preserved from Spanish colonial rule. Its location in the heart of the city provides for a moment of peace and quiet.

Getting to the Cathedral of Córdoba

Located on the central square of Plaza San Martin, the Cathedral of Córdoba is easy to access and in striking distance of restaurants and other Córdoba sights. Time your visit carefully as the cathedral is not open throughout the day.

History of La Recoleta

Franciscan monks first arrived in this area, then on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, in the early 18th century, and a cemetery was building around their convent and church. The order was disbanded in 1822, but the cemetery was converted into Buenos Aires’ first public cemetery.

The layout seen today was designed by a French engineer called Próspero Catelin in 1822, and resembles a city more than a burial ground with its impressive neo-classical gates opening up to winding tree-lined streets.

The site extends over 14 acres today, and contains 4691 vaults, all of which are above ground. 94 of these have been declared National Historic Monuments – they vary in architectural style from Baroque and Neo-Gothic to Art Deco and Art Nouveau, depending on when they were built.

Opulent and grand, La Recoleta Cemetery is characterized by a range of ornately decorated mausoleums, many of which are made of marble and adorned with statues. In fact, this over ground burial system is due to the fact that is anything buried underneath La Recoleta Cemetery’s marshy earth is likely to rise back to the surface.

La Recoleta Cemetery sees presidents and wealthy businessmen rub shoulders with poets, writers and boxers. Look out for presidents such as Raul Alfonsin, Arturo Umberto Illia, Hipólito Yrigoyen and Nicolás Avellaneda, one of Napoleon’s grandchildren Isabel Walewski Colonna and the boxer, Luis Ángel Firpo. It’s most famous resident is Eva Perón or “Evita”, who is buried in a black marble mausoleum owned by her family and listed under her maiden name “Maria Eva Duarte”.

La Recoleta today

The cemetery is one of Buenos Aires’ top attractions: you’ll want to pick up a map at the entrance and then spend several hours losing yourself in the maze of graveyards. There’s a wide variety of Argentina’s history on display and many of the country’s most famous and notable figures were laid to rest in La Recoleta.

You can peek into the crypts and explore pretty fully, but do so respectfully – it’s still an active graveyard.

Sometimes the sheer size of La Recoleta can feel overwhelming – hiring a guide is recommended, especially if you want to have a fuller picture of Argentina’s history, the architecture of the cemetery, and stories about some of the less well known residents who were buried here. Free guided tours in English run on Tuesdays and Thursdays – check online before going for precise times.

Getting to La Recoleta

The cemetery is in La Recoleta, in Barrio Norte, about 4km north of Plaza de Mayo. The nearest underground station is Las Heras, a 5 minute walk away. Buses also run frequently, and stop on Avenida Pueyrredon – you’ll want the 62, 92 or 93.

History of Museo de la Mujer

Created in 2006, the museum, described by its directors as “a proposal of art and culture from women who make history”, examines the changing role of women throughout history and scrutinises the challenges which are faced by women across the world today. Through their work, the museum’s organisers aim to achieve the recognition of the rights and interests of women, and to fight against gender-based discrimination and oppression.

The exhibitions coordinated by the museum, which are often photographic in nature, have focussed on subjects such as changing perceptions of female sexuality, female entry into and participation in the labour market, and women’s historic struggle to escape from their traditional role as homebound mothers and housewives devoted to so-called ‘women’s work’.

The Museo de la Mujer is also a centre for discussion and exchange of knowledge, expertise and opinion. It organises regular classes and workshops dealing with themes like theatre and acting, working with historical sources and textile design.

The museum’s directors and researchers have published numerous articles, leaflets and books. In 2002, one of the museum’s coordinators, Berta Wexler, made a hugely significant contribution to existing knowledge about women’s role in the Latin American Wars of Independence. She published a meticulous investigation into the guerrilla military leader Juana Azurduy de Padilla, an important protagonist of the struggle to liberate the territories of the viceroyalty of Río de la Plata (an area which covered present-day Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Paraguay).

Azurduy, who was from Alto Peru (present-day Bolivia), is one of the few women who have been recognised for the role they played in the Wars of Independence. The airport of Sucre in Bolivia is named after her.

Museo de la Mujer today

The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, from 3pm. There’s a regular, well-run programme of events if you’re a Spanish speaker, so be sure to check their website in advance of your visit.

Getting to Museo de la Mujer

Located in central Buenos Aires, the Museo de la Mujer is easily accessible. The nearest metro stations are Uruguay and Lima, both of which are a 5 minute walk away. Bus 5 or 39 will drop you two streets over.

History of Nuestra Señora de Loreto

Founded in 1610 by Jesuits, the mission was one of the first founded in the Province of Paraguay. Unlike many of its counterparts which had to move several times due to ongoing attacks from slave traders, Nuestra Señora de Loreto only moved once. This resettlement occurred in 1631, when the mission transferred to its present location near Posadas.

The Jesuits wanted to evangelize the indigenous populations: they learn indigenous languages so that they could better teach them Spanish, and even established a printing press to translate the Bible into Spanish, Latin and occasionally indigenous languages.

The most famous resident of the reduction was the Spanish Jesuit, Father Antonio Garriga, who was a particularly good linguist and dedicated missionary. He printed the book Practical Instruction to Order One’s Life According to Saintly Precepts around 1713, making it the second book to be printed there.

The Jesuits were expelled from the area in 1767, and the mission was abandoned by the early 19th century.

Nuestra Señora de Loreto today

Much of the site is covered in vegetation, and only the ruins are left. You’ll need an active imagination to picture the site as it would once have been, but the jungle-clad ruins remain evocative of times past.

The site is open every day, with summer and winter hours, so check before you visit. If you can, hop on a free guided tour of the site – it’s extremely valuable and brings the ruins to life.

Tickets to the missions in the area are combined, so it makes sense to follow up with a visit to the better preserved San Ignacio Mini.

Getting to Nuestra Señora de Loreto

The Misiones province is just across the border from Paraguay. The site itself is just off Ruta 12 – you should be able to drive there easily, or get a bus from Posadas or Obera towards San Ignacio, and hop off at the ruins.