Recoleta is perhaps best known for its astonishing cemetery, one of the most visited sights in Buenos Aires. The site holds more than 4,800 vaults in ostentations mausoleums of varying architectural styles. Of the Presidents, poets, and generally powerful elite interred here, Eva Peron is the most controversial (and most visited). Her final resting place is in the Duarte Family mausoleum (Eva was illegitimate, the family was of her father). The families of other elites buried here objected to her inclusion because of the status of her birth, but also because in life she was totally opposed to the wealthy and powerful citizens with whom she now abides. To prevent vandalism of the sort that led to Juan Peron's hands being cut off after burial, Evita is buried under several tons on cement. Juan is in his family's crypt in a different and less exclusive cemetery.
The Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Pilar, Consecrated in 1732, as over- the -top ornate as the nearby cemetery.
We also spent some time Saturday at the Museo de Bellas Artes in Recoleta. Considered the country's most important art museum, it has a very impressive collection of European masters, impressionists, and Argentine artists. We had a guided tour (in English) from a young fine arts student who integrated Argentine history with the works we viewed.
We finished off the day with a great dinner at Cabanas Las Lilas, a famous steak house at the Puerto Madero, a renovated waterfront area of shops and restaurants. Had a great steak, souffle potatoes, creamed spinach, etc. etc. No photos for blog, unfortunately. Less space on this tablet so only room for shots from my camera. Nick did get some good ones.
No comments:
Post a Comment