A guide to Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires
Recoleta Cemetery (founded in 1822) is a must on every tourist’s list while visiting Buenos Aires. If it is a must, I often become quite skeptical and suspicious about it, which at times results in not ticking this off at all.
Since the Recoleta neighbourhood is in the heart of the city we booked our hotel there with a city view and….the cemetery. “Nightmares here you come”, I thought. When I saw this view from the balcony, I was quite surprised. It looks like a little town and I instantly understood why it needs to be visited. It has not only its historical and cultural value that drives people there but also it is really beautiful. It is one of the world’s most extraordinary cemeteries.
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- Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
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- Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
- Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
You can wander the countless streets for a long time and not be bored. The graves and crypts are decorated with statues and marble sarcophagi. This cemetery is an open-air museum that holds the remains of many people who contributed to the history of Argentina. Although it is mainly known as the burial ground of Evita Duarte de Peron, it holds many famous military heroes, presidents, influential politicians, scientists, writers and important or wealthy Argentinians.
You can find there such personas as:
Evita Duearte de Peron- the First Lady of Argentina, widely known for her charity and feminist work.
José Hernández- creator of Argentina’s national epic “Martín Fierro”.
Leopoldo Lugones- writer and journalist.
Luis Ángel Firpo- first Latin American boxer to compete in the heavyweight world championships.
Luis Federico Leloir- Nobel Prize laureate in chemistry (the first Spanish-speaking chemistry laureate).
Silvina Ocampo- poet, writer and translator.
Vincente López y Planes- creator of the lyrics of the National Anthem of Argentina.
Interesting facts about La Recoleta
Of course, a famous cemetery wouldn’t be as interesting if some ghost stories were not attached to it, like the one of David Alleno, a night watchman who killed himself. This Italian immigrant had been guarding the tombs of the rich and famous for 29 years since 1881. As the legend says, he dreamed of being buried in this prestigious cemetery. He saved enough money to buy a space there and even hired an artist to design and make his grave. When the tomb was ready, he took his own life. As the rumors reveal, a ghost of David Alleno wanders along the narrow streets of the cemetery at night making a tinkling noise of his keys. If you are curious to see his grave and the dream of his life, you can find it at the number 81.
See also:
7 short excursions from Buenos Aires
Top 10 traditional coffee shops in Buenos Aires according to the locals
Do you want to see a cool face of Buenos Aires? Let’s go to Palermo Soho.
A quick guide to Buenos Aires- Paris of South America
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This would definitely be on my list. What an amazing place so rich with history and beauty. I loved all your pictures and the story about the night watchman.
Thank you Michele. I am glad you like it.
Hi. Am popping in from Inspired Blogging. That photo of the cemetary against the backdrop of the modern city is incredible. Wow. I’ve been to South America but never to Argentina. Thanks for the nudge!
Thank you Kelly.
And another nudge that I really must check my spelling before posting. Oops. ^^^ CemetEry. ^^^
Your photos are stunning Anna! I love the architecture and the gorgeous statues. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, I’m glad you like it. It’s not difficult though to take nice photos in such a beautiful place like Buenos Aires.
I am so glad I found your blog! How beautiful these experiences must have been for you. Your photos are breathtakingly gorgeous! They remind me of my visit to Italy because of the architecture. This will definitely be placed on my international travel list of places to visit.
Anna, how cool! There is a cemetery in Cozumel that is similar to this though on a much smaller and simpler scale. It was captivating to me & this one looks even more so. Thank you for sharing. I recently acquired a son-in-law from Argentina, so this is of even greater interest to me with the personal connection.