Stretching before us lies Comuna 8 one of the fifteen administrative divisions of Buenos Aires. It is not just another district. Comuna 8 holds unique distinctions within this vast metropolis.
Comuna 8 is composed of Villa Soldati, Villa Lugano and Villa Riachuelo. These neighborhoods create a tapestry of life in the southwest of the city. Did you know Comuna 8 is the most extensive commune in Buenos Aires? It covers an area of approximately 21.9 square kilometers.
In 2022 Comuna 8 had a population of 204842 people. That equates to a population density of about 9353 inhabitants per square kilometer. This makes it the least densely populated area in the city.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the history of Comuna 8. The area was once part of the Paso de Burgos. This was land owned by Bartolomé de Burgos. Around 1600 a road crossed it that was used to transport cattle. Around 1800 the area was part of San José de Flores. It was made up of swampy land of little value.
In 1888 the Sociedad de Tierras General Pobladora obtained permission to dredge the last 33 kilometers of the Riachuelo. The company opened streets and sold land. Dairy farms and farms were installed there. These places were later called “Villa del Riachuelo”. This gave rise to the neighborhood of the same name.
In 1908 José Ferdinando Francisco Soldati fell in love with the area. He acquired land. He then divided it up with the intention of populating it quickly. The arrival of the railroad that same year and the efforts of the neighbors helped the area prosper. These subdivisions would later become the neighborhoods of Villa Lugano and Villa Soldati.
Due to serious floods the government decided to rectify and channel the Riachuelo in 1913. Work began in 1922. In 1952 the autodrome was inaugurated. Between 1960 and 1980 large-scale housing complexes were built such as the Barrio General Savio.
The Premetro began operating in the 1980s. It connects the area with the subway. Through this it connects to the center of the city. In 1982 the Parque de la Ciudad was inaugurated.
Comuna 8 was established in 1996. This happened when the constitution of the city of Buenos Aires was sanctioned. In December 2014 the Legislature of the city approved the Master Plan for Comuna 8.
Comuna 8 is more than just a collection of neighborhoods. It is a vibrant community. It has a rich history and a promising future. It reflects the diverse spirit of Buenos Aires. Take a look around. Consider the stories that these streets could tell.