Recoleta Cemetery
Buenos Aires
Recoleta Cemetery, located in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is one of the world's most famous cemeteries. Established in 1822 on the former garden of a Franciscan Recollect convent, it serves as the final resting place for many of Argentina's most prominent figures, including Eva Perón, presidents, Nobel laureates, and military leaders. The cemetery spans 5.5 hectares and contains over 4,600 above-ground vaults, many adorned with elaborate marble mausoleums in diverse architectural styles such as Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic. These mausoleums, often imported from Paris and Milan between 1880 and 1930, reflect the wealth and artistic tastes of Buenos Aires' elite during the country's Belle Époque era. The cemetery's entrance features imposing neoclassical gates with Doric columns, symbolizing a solemn threshold between life and death. It is also notable for its sculptures by renowned Argentine artists like Lola Mora and Luis Perlotti, and unique memorials such as the tomb of Liliana Crociati de Szaszak. Beyond its funerary function, Recoleta Cemetery is a cultural landmark, recognized as a National Historical Monument and considered an open-air museum showcasing Argentina's social history and artistic legacy. A colony of stray cats inhabits the grounds, adding a unique charm to the site. Despite some mausoleums falling into disrepair, the cemetery remains a major tourist attraction and a testament to Argentina's historical and architectural heritage.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Recoleta Cemetery is during the cooler hours of the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the cemetery covers a large area with many walkways. Guided tours are available and can enrich the visit by providing historical context and stories behind notable tombs. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Photography is allowed but should be respectful of the site and other visitors.
Faits intéressants
- •The cemetery contains 4691 vaults, with 94 declared National Historical Monuments protected by the Argentine government.
- •Many mausoleums were constructed with materials imported from Paris and Milan between 1880 and 1930.
- •The tomb of Liliana Crociati de Szaszak is uniquely designed to resemble her bedroom, complete with a sculpture of her in her wedding dress and her dog.
- •A colony of stray cats lives in the cemetery, with the population having decreased from about 60 in the 1960s to around 12 today due to adoption efforts.
- •The cemetery's entrance features neoclassical gates with tall Doric columns and inscriptions in Latin symbolizing the dialogue between the living and the dead.
Histoire
The land that became Recoleta Cemetery was originally the garden of a Franciscan Recollect convent established in the early 18th century.
After the order was disbanded in 1822, the garden was converted into Buenos Aires' first public cemetery, inaugurated on November 17, 1822, under Governor Martín Rodríguez and Minister Bernardino Rivadavia.
French engineer Próspero Catelin designed the original layout, and the cemetery was remodeled in 1881 by Italian architect Juan Antonio Buschiazzo during Mayor Torcuato de Alvear's administration.
Over time, Recoleta became the preferred burial site for Buenos Aires' elite, reflecting the city's transformation into a prosperous metropolis.
In 1946, it was declared a National Historical Monument and recognized as a historical museum.
Guide du lieu
Neoclassical Entrance Gate1881
The main entrance features imposing neoclassical gates with four tall Doric columns, adorned with Latin inscriptions 'Requiescant in pace' (Rest in peace) outside and 'Expectamus Dominum' (We await the Lord) inside, symbolizing the connection between the living and the deceased.
Mausoleums and Vaults1880-1930
The cemetery contains over 4,600 above-ground vaults, many elaborately decorated with marble and sculptures in architectural styles such as Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic. These tombs reflect the wealth and artistic preferences of Buenos Aires' affluent families during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Tomb of Eva Perón1952
One of the most visited tombs in the cemetery, it is the resting place of Eva Perón, Argentina's iconic First Lady and political figure.
Tomb of Liliana Crociati de Szaszak1970s
A uniquely designed tomb replicating the deceased's bedroom, featuring a sculpture of Liliana Crociati in her wedding dress accompanied by her dog, commemorating her tragic death during her honeymoon.
Contact
Téléphone: 011 4803-1594