Techos Violetas

Confitería Las Violetas. A sweet name for a place brimming with history. Here at the corner of Rivadavia and Medrano, in the heart of Almagro, Confitería Las Violetas has witnessed over a century of Buenos Aires life. Opened in 1884 by Felman and Rodríguez Acal, this wasn’t just a café. It was a statement. A palace of indulgence in a neighborhood still finding its feet. Imagine arriving here by horse-drawn tram or even from the Del Parque station, where the Teatro Colón stands today. Confitería Las Violetas was a beacon of elegance, a stark contrast to the pulpería across the street. Its opulence drew everyone, from everyday porteños to tango legends like Carlos Gardel and even presidents like Arturo Frondizi. The stunning stained glass, often mistaken as French imports, were actually designed and assembled right here in Buenos Aires. Based on watercolor and ink sketches, these intricate windows tell stories of their own. In the 1920s, the Confitería underwent a stunning remodel. This remodel gave us the curved glass windows, marble floors, and those breathtaking stained glass windows we see today. The Confitería became a stage for life. It witnessed secret meetings of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, their simulated birthday parties a cover for their desperate search for their grandchildren. It even starred in films, adding to its cinematic charm. Confitería Las Violetas has seen its share of drama. It faced closure and near abandonment in the 1990s. But like a phoenix rising, it was restored to its former glory in 2001. The boiserie, chandeliers, and columns were painstakingly revived. While the original floors were lost to time, new ones were crafted to match the old patterns. Confitería Las Violetas endures, a testament to the resilience of Buenos Aires. So, step inside, savor the aroma of coffee and pastries, and imagine the echoes of history swirling around you.