Churches in Buenos Aires that will surprise you
Churches in Buenos Aires that will surprise you
In Buenos Aires you will find a great architectural variety and, without a doubt,
churches offer a special chapter. We will tell you about some of then, so that
you can include them in your next visit.
Catedral Metropolitana / Metropolitan Cathedral
Located opposite plaza de Mayo (May square). The first building dated back to
1593, but the structure we see today began to be built in 1752. As you walk
inside, you will find the mausoleum which is the final resting place for Gral,
José de San Martín, Father of the Nation. A very interesting detail: Mgr. Jorge
Bergoglio was the archbishop in this Catedral before becoming Pope Francis.
You will be amazed by the neoclassic façade, it is completely different to the
traditional ones!
Iglesia de San Ignacio / St. Ignatius Church
You will find it just 100 meters (110 yards) away from plaza de Mayo (May
square). It is the oldest in Buenos Aires. It was built at the beginning of the 18th
century by the Society of Jesus and it is part of the Manzana de las Luces
(Enlightenment square). There are tunnels underneath the church, they
connected different buildings and were used for defense and smuggling during
colonial times. The main altarpiece dates back to the 17th century, with
amazing carved wood and later covered with gold gilding technique.
Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar / Basilica of our Lady of the Pillar
You will be amazed by this church. The Franciscan Recollect friars settled here
(thus the name for the neighbourhood), the church was inaugurated in 1732 and
the original altarpieces are still kept. This is a church with just one central nave,
not very common, and the beautiful façade has a bell tower and an open belfry
to be admired. . Towards the left of the atrium, a mural made with majolicas
shows the city layout in the old days. Not to be missed!
Basílica del Santísimo Sacramento / Basilica of the Holy Sacrament
This church was built in Gothic Revival style as a commission by Mrs. Mercedes
de Anchorena, member of an aristocratic family from Buenos Aires. It has a
central nave and two side aisles. Decoration is luxurious: you will see a gold
and silver monstrance, beautiful stained glasses and different types of marble.
Construction began in 1908 and was consecrated in 1916. Very important: the
organ with more than 4,000 pipes. It is located in Retiro neighbourhood. It is
worth visiting the place!
Iglesia y convento de Santa Catalina de Siena / St. Catherine of Siena
Church and Convent
In San Nicolás neighbourhood, just a few steps from Galerías Pacífico, there is
place where time has stood still. The church has just one nave with three
chapels on each side and it was founded in 1745. The convent building, on
Reconquista street, was the first enclosed convent for nuns in our city. The
original structure is still kept and these days is a place where many “porteños”
take a break during their daily routines. Not to be missed!
Buenos Aires will amaze you at every step. These are just some of the
important churches that tell us part of our history and left a legacy in our city,
but the list never ends. If you have any questions, we will be glad to assist you.
We can organize your tour with our professional tour guides so that you can
make the most of your time. See you soon!
Religi 