La Recoleta Cemetery is a world-renowned landmark located in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
This historic cemetery is known for its striking architecture and fascinating history. It is not just a historic burial ground for many famous personalities but also a living testament to the city’s rich heritage and traditions. It holds great significance for the people of Buenos Aires and Argentina as a whole.
Table of Contents
- Historical significance and timeline of La Recoleta Cemetery
- Why is La Recoleta Cemetery a famous tourist attraction?
- Which famous people are buried in La Recoleta Cemetery?
- Visiting La Recoleta Cemetery
- Recoleta Cemetery tour options
- Frequently asked questions
Historical significance and timeline of La Recoleta Cemetery
La Recoleta Cemetery has a rich history that dates back to the early 16th century.
- In 1583, the property where La Recoleta Cemetery lies today was given to Don Rodrigo Ortíz de Zárate by Don Juan de Garay. At the time, this territory was in the outskirts of Buenos Aires.
- In the beginning of the 18th century, they started building a monastery/ convent on the property. This convent belonged to the Franciscan order of the Recollect Friars (Spanish: Recoletos Descalzos) under the church of El Pilar (Spanish: Parroquia del Pilar).
- On October 12, 1732, the church Our Lady of Pilar (Spanish: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar) was inaugurated. The surrounding lands were used as orchards and the clergy were buried in the temples, in accordance to the customs of those times.
- In 1821, the monastery and surrounding property was annexed by the local government in an effort to separate the church and state.
The two main men behind this operation were Martín Rodríguez who was the Governor of Buenos Aires, and Bernardino Rivadavia who was the Minister. Rivadavia would later go on to become the first president of the Argentine Republic, which was then named the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata.
- On November 17, 1822, the convent’s garden became the city’s first public cemetery. It was originally named El Cementerio de Miserere, or Cementerio del Norte (English: Mercy Cemetery or Northern Cemetery) but later was renamed Cementerio de la Recoleta (English: La Recoleta Cemetery) to honor the name of the neighborhood it’s in.
The cemetery was designed by French engineer Próspero Catelin to mimic the layout of the Père Lachaise Cemetery. He designed it to look like a miniature city with a main street, tree-lined avenue, and city blocks.
- Originally, the cemetery was intended to bury Catholics but in 1868, President Bartolomé Mitre ordered that the cemetery allow the burial of people from other religions as well.
- In 1871, the neighborhood of Recoleta grew as a result of the Yellow Fever. Those who were living in the southern neighborhoods of Montserrat and San Telmo fled north to escape the epidemic.
The majority of families who migrated were wealthy and as a result, the Recoleta Cemetery became the final resting place of the elite. The cemetery did not allow the burial of those who had died as a result of the Yellow Fever, so it was neglected for many years and deteriorated.
- In 1881, the entire cemetery was renovated by Italian architect Juan Antonio Buschiazzo, who also built brick walls and an impressive entrance to protect the property. Today, we can see a restored version of the original neo-classical gates and Doric columns.
Why is La Recoleta Cemetery a famous tourist attraction?
It became a famous cemetery as a result of its impressive mausoleums, sculptures, and architectural design. It is considered one of the most beautiful graveyards in the world.
The cemetery features a wide variety of architectural styles, including Art Deco, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Gothic style which makes it a unique and visually captivating place to explore. The elaborate marble mausoleums, vaults, and tombs are intricately designed with ornate sculptures, carvings, and stained glass windows.
It has become the final resting place of Eva Perón as well as many other famous Argentinians, including former presidents, politicians, military leaders and heroes, Nobel prize winners, renowned artists, athletes, writers, and wealthy families.
Which famous people are buried in La Recoleta Cemetery?
La Recoleta Cemetery has 4,691 grave vaults, 94 of which are National Historical Monuments. Some its most famous inhabitants include:
- Martín Rodríguez (1771-1845): Rodríguez was governor of the province of Buenos Aires and founder of many public institutions, including a bank, museum, and university, and the city of Tandil. His grave is located in plot #74.
- William Brown (1777-1857): Brown was born in Ireland and became an admiral of Argentina and commander of the Argentine Military. He fought in the Argentine War of Independence and founded the Argentine Navy.
- Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1811-1888): Sarmiento was an Argentine politician who served as Minister of Foreign Relations, Minister of Interior, Senator, Governor of San Juan Province, and second President of Argentina. He is featured on the 50 pesos bill. His grave is located in plot #58.
- Bartolomé Mitre Martínez (1821-1906): Mitre was an Argentine soldier, politician, statesman, historian, and author who became the first president of unified Argentina. He was featured on the 2 pesos bill, which was replaced by a coin.
- Intendente Torcuato de Alvear (1822-1890): Alvear was an Argentine politician who served as the first mayor of the city of Buenos Aires. He was the father of Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear who was President of Argentina from 1922 to 1928. His grave is located in plot # 3.
- José Hernández (1834-1886): Hernández was an Argentine journalist and poet, who founded “El Río de la Plata” newspaper and who wrote two famous poems titled “Martín Fierro” and “La Vuelta de Martín Fierro”. His grave is located in plot #36.
- Nicolás Avellaneda (1837-1885): Avellaneda was an Argentine journalist, lawyer, and politician who served as president for one term. His grave is located in plot #44.
- Cándido López (1840-1902): López was an Argentine artist and soldier, who painted historical scenes from the Paraguayan War which he was involved in. His grave is located in the Panteón Guerreros del Paraguay.
- Carlos Pellegrini (1846-1906): Pellegrini was an Argentine politician who served as Senator, Vice President, and President. His grave is located in plot #80.
- Isabel Colonna-Walewski (1847-1847): Walewski was the one-month old grandchild of Napoleón Bonaparte. She is buried in the María Sánchez de Mendevielle Family Crypt.
- Hipólito Yrigoyen (1852-1933): Yrigoyen, whose full name was Juan Hipólito del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Yrigoyen, was an Argentine politician who served two presidential terms. His grave is located in plot section 20.
- David Alleno (1854-1910): Alleno was a grave keeper. He worked at La Recoleta Cemetery for 30 years and saved all his money to pay for the vault that he’s buried in.
- Carlos Saavedra Lamas (1878-1959): Lamas was an Argentine academic and diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Relations of Argentina. In 1936, he became the first Latin American Nobel Peace Prize recipient for his role in the Argentine Anti-War Pact of 1933, which was also important in creating peace between Bolivia and Paraguay two years later. His grave is located in plot #19.
- Rufina Cambaceres (1883-1902): Cambaceres was a young socialite in Buenos Aires who suffered from an episode of catalepsy, which led doctors to misdiagnose her as dead. She was placed in a coffin, however, a few days after her death, the grave keeper noticed that the coffin had been moved. Upon further investigation, it was found that the interior of the coffin had scratch marks and her hands were bruised, leading to the conclusion that she was buried alive and had tried to escape the coffin. It is believed that she died of a panic attack or suffocation.
- Boxer Luis Angel Firpo (1894-1960): Firpo was a professional boxer that measured 6’3” and who over the course of his career won 31 fights and only lost 4.
- Armando Bó (1914-1981): Bó was a film director, producer, actor, screenwriter and composer.
- María Eva Duarte de Perón (1919-1952): One of the most famous tombs in the cemetery is that of Eva Perón, also known as “Evita”. She was a beloved former First Lady of Argentina and actress. Her mausoleum is one of the most visited in the cemetery and is a site of pilgrimage for many admirers. It is adorned with flowers, messages, and offerings. Evita’s body was originally buried in a small cemetery in Milan, Italy. Twenty years later, she was returned to Argentina to be buried alongside her family members in the Duarte Family Mausoleum.
- Raúl Alfonsín (1927-2009): Alfonsín was an Argentine statesman and politician who served as president from 1983 to 1989.
La Recoleta Cemetery is the eternal resting place of numerous other notable figures. Visiting their tombs is like taking a journey through Argentina’s history.
Visiting La Recoleta Cemetery
Many visitors are drawn to La Recoleta Cemetery not only for its historical and architectural merits but also for the sense of reverence and mystique that pervades the atmosphere.
As you enter the gates of the cemetery, you will be immediately struck by the grandeur and solemnity of the place. Each of the mausoleums, tombs, and memorials in this labyrinthine city tell their own story.
The cemetery is considered a living museum of Argentine history and art, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage. It is a place where locals and tourists alike can learn about the nation’s past, pay homage to its illustrious figures, and appreciate its art and architecture.
It is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM and is located at Junín 1760.
There’s an entrance fee of roughly 4,000 Argentine pesos per person (as of April 2023) which can only be paid by credit or debit at the entrance. Argentine nationals who show proof of residency can enter for free.
Pubic bathrooms are available for guests.
For fewer crowds, the best time to visit is between the early morning and late afternoon.
Recoleta Cemetery tour options
Self-guided tours are possible if you pick up a map at the main entrance.
Free tours of the cemetery are available Tuesday through Friday at 11 AM and 2 PM, and weekends and public holidays at 11 AM and 3 PM. These tours are in Spanish only and they last around 2 1/2 hours.
To book a guided tour in English, Google “Recoleta Cemetery English tours” to see which options are available.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take photos in the cemetery?
Yes, you’re allowed to take photos.
Do reservations need to be made in advance?
Reservations are not needed to enter the cemetery nor to attend a free guided tour offered by the cemetery staff. On the other hand, private English-speaking tours should be booked in advance.
Is there an age requirement to enter?
No, all ages are allowed entry.
Are pets allowed inside?
No.
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