Plaza de Mayo (May Square), Buenos Aires (must see)
Plaza de Mayo is the oldest plaza in Buenos Aires. Its history began in 1580 when Juan de Garay founded Buenos Aires. The current plaza was laid out in 1884 and named to commemorate the May Revolution of 1810 that overthrew Spanish rule.
The Casa Rosada (pink house) dominates the Plaza de Mayo. This iconic building houses the Argentine national government and the president's office. Eva Perón famously addressed supporters from The Casa Rosada's balcony in 1951.
In 1811, the Pirámide de Mayo (May Pyramid) was erected nearby to commemorate the May Revolution of 1810. In 1912, the 18.76 meters (61.5 feet) tall Pirámide de Mayo was moved to its current location in the center of Plaza de Mayo.
The Equestrian Monument to General Manuel Belgrano is impressive. This monument represents Manuel Belgrano on horseback and was dedicated in 1873. Manuel Belgrano fought for independence from Spanish rule, created the Flag of Argentina, and is revered as one of the main liberators of Argentina.
Several historically and architecturally interesting buildings line the plaza. The original Cabildo, or town council building, was built in 1608. The current white colonial-style building was completed in 1751 and has undergone several renovations. The Cabildo is the only colonial-era government building still standing n the Plaza de Mayo.
Today, the Cabildo operates as the National Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution. Here, you will find colonial paintings and furniture. The views from the upper levels are wonderful. Don't miss the changing of the guard, every hour, in front of the Cabildo.
The 1914 City Hall was built in Second-Empire style and faces the plaza. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires is also located in the plaza.
Why You Should Visit:
As the oldest plaza in Buenos Aires, Plaza de Mayo has witnessed all the important events in Argentine history. Today, locals and tourists alike meet friends and eat lunch in the plaza.
Tips:
Don't miss the changing of the guard, every hour, in front of the Cabildo.
The Casa Rosada (pink house) dominates the Plaza de Mayo. This iconic building houses the Argentine national government and the president's office. Eva Perón famously addressed supporters from The Casa Rosada's balcony in 1951.
In 1811, the Pirámide de Mayo (May Pyramid) was erected nearby to commemorate the May Revolution of 1810. In 1912, the 18.76 meters (61.5 feet) tall Pirámide de Mayo was moved to its current location in the center of Plaza de Mayo.
The Equestrian Monument to General Manuel Belgrano is impressive. This monument represents Manuel Belgrano on horseback and was dedicated in 1873. Manuel Belgrano fought for independence from Spanish rule, created the Flag of Argentina, and is revered as one of the main liberators of Argentina.
Several historically and architecturally interesting buildings line the plaza. The original Cabildo, or town council building, was built in 1608. The current white colonial-style building was completed in 1751 and has undergone several renovations. The Cabildo is the only colonial-era government building still standing n the Plaza de Mayo.
Today, the Cabildo operates as the National Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution. Here, you will find colonial paintings and furniture. The views from the upper levels are wonderful. Don't miss the changing of the guard, every hour, in front of the Cabildo.
The 1914 City Hall was built in Second-Empire style and faces the plaza. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires is also located in the plaza.
Why You Should Visit:
As the oldest plaza in Buenos Aires, Plaza de Mayo has witnessed all the important events in Argentine history. Today, locals and tourists alike meet friends and eat lunch in the plaza.
Tips:
Don't miss the changing of the guard, every hour, in front of the Cabildo.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Buenos Aires. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Plaza de Mayo (May Square) on Map
Sight Name: Plaza de Mayo (May Square)
Sight Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina (See walking tours in Buenos Aires)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina (See walking tours in Buenos Aires)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Create Your Own Walk in Buenos Aires
Creating your own self-guided walk in Buenos Aires is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Recoleta Neighborhood Walking Tour
One of Buenos Aires’ most beautiful neighborhoods, Recoleta is the city’s heart of art and elegance, grace and modernism, culture and leisure. Here you will find lots of things to do, like visiting museums, galleries and cultural centers; relaxing in one of the beautiful parks and plazas; or sampling the delicious local food.
This walking tour along Recoleta begins at the Ateneo Grand... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
This walking tour along Recoleta begins at the Ateneo Grand... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
May Avenue Walking Tour
May Avenue (Avenida de Mayo) is one of the grandest and most important avenues in Buenos Aires, leading from Plaza de Mayo with the Pink House at one end, to Argentina’s National Congress building at the other. Named in honor of the May Revolution of 1810 which lead to the country’s independence from Spain, it is difficult not to compare this grand thoroughfare to other major boulevards around... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Palermo Area Walking Tour
Situated just back from one of the main thoroughfares, Santa Fe Avenue (Avenida Santa Fe), Palermo is a relaxed and culturally delightful area full of restaurants, cafes, and wall murals. The tree-lined streets are shady and many of the older Spanish-style houses were converted into small shops without compromising their original character. It’s an excellent place in which to sample the city’s... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Buenos Aires Introduction Walking Tour
Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina. The city was first founded as Ciudad de Nuestra Señora Santa María del Buen Ayre in 1536 by the Spanish. But this settlement was quickly abandoned in 1542, and the city was refounded in 1580. Buenos Aires boomed as a port city focused on trade.
Argentina gained independence from Spanish rule during the May Revolution of 1810. Today, the May... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Argentina gained independence from Spanish rule during the May Revolution of 1810. Today, the May... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
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