Plaza de Mayo is the most iconic and most historical square in Buenos Aires. The place is a hollowed ground of the May Revolution of Independence from Spanish Colonialism.
The various structures in the plaza are many symbolisms of the life and aspirations of Argentina.
These symbolisms are probably most visualized at night when the plaza is very well lit.
🏛️ The Pirámide de Mayo, whilst not the shape of a classic pyramid, is a towering symbol of freedom. The statuette of La Liberté stands atop. This is the central structure in the plaza.
🏛️ The Monumento al General Manuel Belgrano is an equestrian statue honoring one of the founding fathers of the Argentine Republic.
🏛️ The base of the Belgrano Statue is a true modern day memorial, locally known as the “Stones of Remembrance” COVID Memorial. Each stone is engraved with names of the departed from the pandemic.
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ The most iconic is of course Casa Rosada, the Palace of the Offices of the President. It’s a most impressive Italianate architecture, an offspring of Italian Renaissance.
Other notable buildings around the plaza.
🏛️ the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is a bit like a more expansive version of La Madeleine (Mary Magdalene Church) in Paris. It was the seat of then catholic archbishop Bergoglio years before he was elected pope.
🏛️ the Museo Nacional de Cabildo is a designated museo of Argentinian heritage. It’s one of few colonial buildings in Buenos Aires. It’s a Spanish Baroque architecture.
🏛️ Banco de Nación de Argentina (Central Bank of Argentina) is a newish building from the 1930s, replacing the old edifice. It’s a Neoclassical...
Read moreWhile the official Kilómetro Cero (Km 0) marker sits by the National Congress building, two kilometers away, the true heart of Buenos Aires—emotional, historical, and symbolic—beats in Plaza de Mayo. Here, four iconic institutions stand: Casa Rosada, the storied pink Presidential Palace of Evita fame; the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, once home to Pope Francis as Archbishop; the National Bank of the Argentine Nation, an emblem of economic might; and the Museo Nacional de la Revolución de Mayo, a charming tribute to the city’s revolutionary spirit.
The square is a photo opportunity like no other but also immensely popular so getting a clear shot of anything will be monumentally challenging. Be extremely patient.
Of special interest are the white scarf motifs on the floor of the Plaza de Mayo around the central obelisk. They represent the headscarves worn by the Madres de Plaza de Mayo (Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo). These women began protesting in 1977 during Argentina’s last military dictatorship (1976–1983) to demand information about their children who had been forcibly arrested by the regime. The white scarves symbolize their resilience and the search for justice - to uncover the truth about the ‘desaparecidos’ (the...
Read morePlaza de Mayo, located in the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a historic and significant public square. It has played a central role in the country's history and is surrounded by important government buildings, including the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace.
This square has been the site of numerous important events and protests throughout Argentina's history, including the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo demonstrations. It's a place where political and social movements have made their voices heard, making it a symbol of democracy and activism.
The square itself is beautifully landscaped, with historic monuments and sculptures. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in Argentina's history and culture, and it offers a unique opportunity to understand the country's political evolution while enjoying its vibrant...
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