Cementerio de la Recoleta
Photo: Johan Forsstedt
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A stunning necropolis
Noteworthy for: Most people make the pilgrimage to Eva Peron's tomb, but the cemetery houses some of Argentine history's most important figures.
Talk of the town: The cemetery is home to nearly 90 cats, roaming between the tombs. Catch them around 10am or 4pm waiting to be fed by a group of local women.
Get lost along the narrow lanes and between the macabre mausoleums of this labyrinthine cemetery. This ostentatious 54,843 square meter ‘city of the dead’ must be one of the worlds finest. Inaugurated in 1822, the public cemetery quickly became exclusive with important families competing for the most extravagant displays of wealth.
The architecture ranges from art nouveau to neo Gothic; from crumbling, cobwebbed ruins to perfectly preserved sculptures, all adding to the beauty and mystery of the place. Particularly worth visiting is the black granite tomb of the Paz family, adorned with white marble angels.
Pick up a map at the entrance for ARS 4 with proceeds going towards the upkeep, or catch a free English language tour on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11am. Ask for help in the small office between the cemetery gate and the church with the sign JUNIN 1790.