CEMENTERIO DE LA RECOLETA

Founded in 1822, the one that is nicknamed the "Père-Lachaise porteño" is in itself a real open-air museum and covers more than 6 hectares. It is fun and informative to wander through the tombs of famous Argentinean figures, including of course the tomb of Evita Perón (Duarte family), but the narrowness of the cemetery and the lack of greenery sometimes makes the atmosphere a little gloomy. However, it is still easy to spend hours there observing the details of the statues or marble mausoleums, or playing at recognising the burial house of this or that illustrious name of Argentina's elite. In addition, many of the burials bear witness to extraordinary life stories that today fuel many urban legends. The magnificent portico at the entrance, known for its very sober Greek architectural style, speaks volumes about the prestige accorded to the place. The most spectacular part of the cemetery from an artistic point of view is undoubtedly the one at the far left. The works have been accumulated since 17 November 1822 and the inauguration as a cemetery of this former convent garden according to the wishes of the then governor Martín Rodríguez, whose remains lie here. Recoleta's cemetery, removed from the historic quarters of the capital like San Telmo, tells a little of the story of the city's evolution. During the 1870's, as the Argentine elite fled the yellow fever that hit the popular urban areas, the Recoleta district saw the arrival of the national bourgeoisie. Logically, the cemetery of Recoleta would be the site of the remains of famous Argentines in the following years.
To help you find your way around, the hostesses at the reception desk always sell a map and can give you some information. Some of the most distinguished personalities to rest there include : former Argentine presidents Raúl Alfonsín (1927-2009), Nicolás Avellaneda (1837-1885), Miguel Juárez Celman (1844-1909), Arturo Umberto Illia (1900-1983), Bartolomé Mitre (1821-1906), Carlos Pellegrini (1846-1906), Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1811-1888) and Hipólito Yrigoyen (1852-1933) ; the independence general Juan Lavalle (1797-1841); the writers Luis César Amadori (1902-1977), Adolfo Bioy Casares (1914-1999), José Hernández (1834-1886), Enrique Larreta (1875-1961), Eduardo Mallea (1903-1982) and Victoria Ocampo (1890-1979).