Buenos Aires Architecture Tour: the Belle Epoque Era

Explore the golden age of architecture in Buenos Aires, from ostentatious mansions to eloquent plazas

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: Architecture
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Buenos Aires

Photos & Highlights

Learn the political and economic history of early 20th-century Argentina in Buenos Aires architecture tour
Led by an architect or urban historian
Congresso Square, Palacio Barolo, Teatro Colón, Retiro Neighborhood, and Plaza San Martin

Tour Description

This 3-hour Buenos Aires City Tour explores the city's golden age at the beginning of the 20th century. In the company of an architect or urban historian, we will examine Argentine national identity and trace its expression in the architectural and urban tissue of its “Belle Epoque,” when Buenos Aires became known as the “Paris of South America" and the expression riche comme un Argentin—as rich as an Argentine—was commonplace.

"[Our guide] was an excellent tour guide. He was able to switch between Argentinian history, politics, and architecture seamlessly. We felt like we saw a ton of buildings inside the tour. I really enjoyed the small size, so that we could maneuver around the city quickly."

Buenos Aires City Tour - Wealth and Prestige

Our walk will begin at the legislative end of Avenida de Mayo, in front of the National Congress, which will allow us to understand Argentina's development during the 1930s, a time when the country grew rich due to the exportation of agricultural products, and to place this within a broader international context. We will then visit possibly the best example of this wealth at what was then the tallest building in Latin America: the stunning Palacio Barolo. Here we may discuss the ideas of how Argentine citizens chose to present themselves both publicly and privately, a topic which will lead us to a public building designed to show and show-off: the famous Teatro Colón. We'll trace the importance of various visual presentations, onstage and as well as within the urban context of public issues such as education, hygiene, and infrastructure. We may then further develop these themes with a look at other nearby buildings such as the Palacio Pizzurno, Escuela Roca, or the Water Company Palace (Palacio de Aguas Corrientes).

Looking for a broader overview of the city's history? See our Buenos Aires History Tour, which focuses on the political and cultural movements that took place during the Belle Epoque.

Recoleta & Retiro Neighborhoods

We'll work our way to the most elegant districts of Buenos Aires: Recoleta and Retiro, the destinations of those who fled the southern parts of town to escape the 1871 yellow fever epidemic. As we stroll along Avenida Alvear, through Plaza Pellegrini and Plaza San Martín, we will be able to admire the private palaces of high Argentine society and its great affinity for the 'Parisian style.' We will then explore some other structures both civil and private, like the exquisite example of industrial architecture: the impressive Retiro Train Station. It will give us the opportunity to not only appreciate the steel construction and decoration, but also to examine the foreign influences in Argentine economy and infrastructure at the turn of the century, and the incredible effect this means of transport had on the society’s mobility.

Take Aways

By the end of our walk, we will emerge with a strong grasp of the city’s history and urban shaping through its golden-era architecture as well as an understanding of the complex national identity in Argentina. This walk is an excellent pair to our Evita Tour, which discusses the political climate of the 1940’s and 50’s.

FAQ

Does this walk include the Teatro Colon? This walk usually includes discussing the Teatro Colon from the outside, however, we do not visit the interior. The theater offers its own tours which run several times per hour in English, no reservation is necessary.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Santiago

A Buenos Aires native, Santiago studied architecture at the Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires, where he also taught for six years. His passion for drawing lead him first to became a comic strip artist and later a street artist. He has painted walls all over South America, Mexico and also in Europe. His “signature” is a flying pig, which can be found all over Buenos Aires. He grew fond of these friendly animals while working on his family´s farm, which is located 200 km away from the city, in what used to be a small Irish colony known locally as Arroyo de Luna. This variety of activities give him a unique perspective on the city and its history that he looks forward to sharing with visitors on Context tours.

Juan Cruz

Juan Cruz is a lecturer in History of Design at the School of Architecture, Design and Urbanism of the national Universidad de Buenos Aires. He is also a researcher, currently involved in a project about the models of beauty in Buenos Aires in the period 1800 - 1830. Juan Cruz has a degree in music and plays violin in a symphonic orchestra as well as being a part of a tango group. He has participated in a wide range of seminars and courses related to design, architecture, art history and music. In the past, he has worked in two vastly different cultural institutions: an opera house and a center of contemporary art. He has also travelled through thirty countries and considers travelling one of the most enlightening experiences and ways to learn.

Gabriela

Production Designer with an Art degree, Film Design Professor and Cultural Guide, passionate for sharing with travelers my city and my unique way of exploring! Resourceful, Experienced and Fun From the beginning of my life I developed in Art, Teaching and Culture with constancy, depth and commitment, in various fields and institutions. I have worked since 1990 with Cultural Tourism and Customize Tours in Buenos Aires, New York (Where a lived 6 years), Barcelona and Morocco. Currently I continue with great pleasure with various activities of receptive Tourism in Buenos Aires. I work with dedication, humor, respect and knowledge, enjoying the encounter with each visitor and offering them a warm welcome and enriching contact with our Country, City and Culture. I made cultural exploration trips in Europe, Israel, USA, Venezuela, Mexico, Egypt and Morocco. I am Argentinian, from Buenos Aires City, Spanish is my mother language; I speak fluent English and I have notions of French and Portuguese. I just finished a Diploma on Gender perspective in Touristic Development (UNSAM), and a Postgraduate course on Sustainable Tourism(UPE) My professional training includes a teaching degree in Fine Arts, with specialization studies for film and Television at the Parsons School of Design and Theater Backstage at the Juilliard School in New York, as well as training with great Masters

98 Reviews – (4.95)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Our tour with Gabriella was wonderful! Gabriella was very knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a lot in a relaxed setting. We would highly recommend it!

Alix

Mar. 9, 2023

Guide was excellent. However my wife was victim of a robbery. Theif grabbed a gold necklace from her neck in broad daylight. You should warn people to remove ALL jewelry before any tour.

Joel

Feb. 15, 2023

Gabriela was extremely knowledgeable about the architecture, the area, the culture. She was also very friendly and helpful in getting us acclimated to the area, which was great since it is our first time here. It was an excellent tour! Would highly recommend!

Tracey

Feb. 14, 2023

View more reviews