Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires is an amazing place where one can spend hours in awe of the elegant and elaborate tombs. Located in one of the top tourist destinations in the world, Recoleta Cemetery is a beautiful and peaceful place providing visitors with a glimpse into Argentine history, culture and traditions. From learning about notable Argentine personalities to exploring the intricate architecture, this cemetery is a must-visit for anyone making a trip to Buenos Aires. This blog provides a comprehensive travel guide and interesting facts about Recoleta Cemetery, enabling the reader to plan the visit with ease.

Interesting Facts About Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires

1. It is the final resting place of one of the most famous Argentineans in history: Eva Peron, the beloved wife of former President Juan Peron.

2. There are numerous monuments dedicated to distinguished Argentinian personalities, politicians, and other historical figures.

3. The cemetery is comprised of more than 4,000 graves, with most of them being ornately decorated with works of art.

4. It also houses the Museo del Fin de Santiago, an exhibition of religious artifacts from the old Colegio de Santiago de Nuestra Señora.

5. In the 1950s, a gallerist organized art exhibitions inside the tomb walls.

6. Guided walking tours are offered, allowing visitors to learn more about the cemetery and its inhabitants.

7. The cemetery is the permanent home of the Recoleta Cultural Center, which houses a cinema, art galleries, and a dance floor.

8. It is said that the cemetery is haunted, and visitors often report seeing lights and hearing strange noises.

9. In 2013, the cemetery was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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History & Information About Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires

Recoleta Cemetery, situated in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is one of the most famous cemeteries in the Americas. Opened in 1822, it is the burial site of some of the most influential people in Argentina’s history, including presidents, Nobel Prize winners, and members of the wealthy elite of the country.

The cemetery was built on an old Franciscan monastery complex, and the original crypts, chapels and tombs remain, giving the cemetery a unique atmosphere. Its Victorian decorations, ornate sculptures, and historic mausoleums make it a popular tourist attraction.

The grave of former president General José de San Martín, the liberator of Argentina, Chile and Peru, is among the cemetery’s many notable graves. Other famous people buried here include former president Juan Manuel de Rosas, Nobel Prize winner Luis Federico Leloir and Nobel Laureate Bernarda Erlich.

The cemetery is divided into sections and each section is further divided into gracefully lined avenues and alleys, adorned with many ornamental figures. There are 18 chapels with various domes and crosses, typical of the French Neo Classical style.

Recoleta Cemetery is what can be best described as a ‘City of the Dead’ because of its great size and its amount of inhabitants. Over 4,000 people inhabit the cemetery, each with their own special plot and story. The cemetery has become one of the most visited sites in Buenos Aires, and continues to be a symbol of the history and culture of the city.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires

Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. The cemetery is much more than a graveyard, it’s like an open-air museum and has been declared a historical national monument. It covers nearly 3 hectares and is home to over 4,000 elaborate family mausoleums, sculptures, and statues.

Location

Recoleta Cemetery is located in the northern barrio (neighborhood) of Recoleta in the center of Buenos Aires at the corner of Junin and Juncal.

Getting There

The best way to get to Recoleta Cemetery is on public transportation. The cemetery is a 15-minute walk from the Retiro Bus Station. The closest metro and train stations are San Martin Station and Las Heras Station. There are taxis and Uber available in the area. There is parking available near the cemetery for a fee.

Hours of Operation

The cemetery is open every day from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. It is closed between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Entrance Fees

Entrance to the cemetery is free but donations are appreciated and will be used towards the cemetery’s upkeep and conservation efforts.

What to See

Recoleta Cemetery is home to many famous mausoleums and structures from Argentina’s former presidents, military heroes, politicians, and socialites. The most famous individual buried at the cemetery is Eva Perón. Other notable monuments include the Monument to the Memory of Major General Alvear, the Monument to the Glory of the Merchant Navy, and the Monument to the Unknown Confederate Soldier.

Tours

Visitors have the option of taking a guided tour that will take them to the most famous graves and provide an overview of the cemetery’s history and architecture. The tours are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires

Q: Where is the Recoleta Cemetery located?
Junin 1790, Recoleta, CABA, Argentina

Q: How much does it cost to enter Recoleta Cemetery?
The cost to enter the Cemetery is 50 pesos per person (approx US 1.30).

Q: What are the opening hours of the Recoleta Cemetery?
The Recoleta Cemetery is open to the public from 8am to 6pm Monday to Sunday.

Q: What monuments can be found in the Recoleta Cemetery?
The Cemetery is home to a variety of impressive works of art and architecture such as large tombs, elaborate mausoleums, and sculptures.

Q: Is photography allowed in the cemetery?
Yes, photography is allowed in the cemetery. However, flash photography is not allowed inside the tombs and mausoleums.

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