Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires

It may seem a bit weird to visit a cemetery when you are travelling for pleasure to explore a new city, but when you are in Buenos Aires, it is one of those places well worth checking out. I went there twice, once on a rainy day which felt a bit spooky and the second time on a bright sunny day.

Recoleta Cemetery is a historic cemetery located in the Recoleta neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The cemetery is known for its architectural beauty and the many notable people interred there, including former Argentine presidents, Nobel Prize winners, and other influential figures.

Founded in 1822, the cemetery was built on the grounds of a former monastery belonging to the Order of the Recoletos, a group of monks who followed the teachings of St. Augustine. The cemetery was designed to be a garden-like setting, with winding paths and beautiful sculptures, and it remains one of the most well-known cemeteries in South America.

The cemetery is home to over 6,400 graves, including that of former Argentine president Juan Domingo Perón and his wife, Eva Perón. Eva Perón, also known as “Evita,” was a beloved figure in Argentine history and her grave is a popular attraction at the cemetery. Other notable figures buried at Recoleta Cemetery include Nobel Prize-winning author Julio Cortázar and Argentine military leader José de San Martín.

In addition to the many famous people buried at Recoleta Cemetery, the cemetery is also known for its beautiful architecture and sculptures. Many of the graves are adorned with ornate statues and mausoleums, and the cemetery itself is a work of art.

Visiting Recoleta Cemetery is a must for anyone interested in Argentine history or architecture. The cemetery offers guided tours, and visitors can also explore on their own and pay their respects to the many notable figures interred there. Despite its somber setting, Recoleta Cemetery is a fascinating and beautiful place to visit.

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PS. There are a lot more photographs from Buenos Aires in Argentina, so if you are interested I put together a little silent photo slideshow below:

Here are 10 lesser-known facts about Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina:

1. Recoleta Cemetery is a famous cemetery in Buenos Aires, known for its elaborate tombs, ornate sculptures, and rich history.
2. The cemetery was established in 1822 and is the final resting place of many of Argentina’s most famous and influential figures, including Eva Perón.
3. The cemetery covers over 14 acres and contains over 6,400 graves, mausoleums, and crypts, arranged in a grid-like pattern.
4. Many of the tombs in Recoleta Cemetery are designed in the neoclassical or art nouveau styles and feature elaborate carvings, sculptures, and stained glass windows.
5. The cemetery has its own police station, which is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the visitors and the graves.
6. The cemetery is home to a number of famous sculptures and statues, including the bronze statue of Eva Perón, which stands at the entrance to the cemetery.
7. Many of the tombs in Recoleta Cemetery are owned by the city’s wealthiest families and are passed down through generations.
8. The cemetery is said to be haunted by the ghost of Rufina Cambaceres, a young woman who was accidentally buried alive in the cemetery in 1902.
9. Visitors to the cemetery can take guided tours, which offer a glimpse into the history and culture of Buenos Aires.
10. Recoleta Cemetery is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cemeteries and a popular tourist destination for those interested in architecture, history, and art.