“This impressive wall whispers tales of centuries” It stands before you the Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires’s wall. This isn’t just any wall. It’s a silent witness to Argentina’s history.
The Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires boasts a rich past. Its roots stretch back to 1661. Then it was known as Colegio Grande de San Carlos. The colonial government entrusted the Jesuit Order with educating the youth. The Jesuits were expelled in 1767. The school faltered until 1772. Governor Juan Jose de Vertiz y Salcedo reopened it as the Real Colegio de San Carlos. He later renamed it Real Convictorio Carolino in 1783.
President Bartolomé Mitre redesigned the institution. He established it as the Colegio Nacional in 1863. Since 1911 the University of Buenos Aires has administered the school. Initially a school for boys only girls were admitted in 1957.
The Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires has produced remarkable alumni. Two Nobel laureates graced its halls. Carlos Saavedra Lamas won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1936. Bernardo Houssay received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947. Four Argentinian presidents also studied here.
The Colegio’s current building reflects French academic style. It was constructed between 1910 and 1938. The architect was Norbert Maillart. He also designed the Central Post Office and the Palace of Courts. The building is stunning. It features a mansard roof impressive facades and marble staircases. Inside are high-ceilinged cloisters. One pillar remains from the original Jesuit college.
The Colegio offers a wealth of facilities. There’s an astronomy observatory a swimming pool a cinema and a sports campus. Students enjoy extracurricular activities. These range from astronomy and photography to sailing tango and theater.
Admission is highly competitive. Aspiring students face ten exams after a year-long course. Subjects include language mathematics geography and history. Around 400 students gain admission each year from approximately 1200 applicants. The school is free and enrolls about 2000 students.
The Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires wall isn’t just a boundary. It’s a symbol of academic excellence. It represents a legacy of notable alumni and a vibrant educational tradition. It stands as a testament to Argentina’s history and its commitment to education. As you stand here you feel its history resonate. You become part of its enduring story.