Peeking out from between two larger buildings, Casa Mínima stands as a testament to Buenos Aires’s intriguing past. It is located on Pasaje San Lorenzo in the San Telmo district. This seemingly unremarkable narrow house holds secrets and stories within its walls. Today we will uncover the story of Casa Mínima.
Casa Mínima is known as the narrowest house in Buenos Aires. Its width measures a mere 8.2 feet. That is just 2.5 meters. Its depth extends a more generous 42 feet, about 13 meters. The house’s facade features a green wooden door and a tiny second-floor balcony. Clay bricks peek through the white paint.
Local legend claims Casa Mínima was a gift to a freed slave from the Urquiza family in 1813. While captivating, this tale faces historical challenges. Slavery wasn’t fully abolished in Argentina until 1853. Buenos Aires had to wait until 1861. The idea of a freed slave receiving a house in 1813 seems unlikely. Yet, this story keeps the building’s history alive and raises awareness about slavery in Argentina.
Historical studies offer a more prosaic explanation. Casa Mínima was once part of a larger home measuring 52.5 feet wide. Over time, the property was divided. Due to some bad math, an extraneous slice was left in the middle. Instead of incorporating it into neighboring homes, it became a standalone abode.
In the 1990s, the director of El Zanjón Granados bought the property. El Zanjón Granados is an important archaeological site in Buenos Aires. The house is now part of guided tours that revisit the city’s forgotten past.
Baldomero Fernández Moreno described the house as having a smooth facade. He said it had a green door with iron hardware. He also noted the balcony with iron bars. Crochet curtains hung behind a two-paned window. Flowerpots adorned the balcony.
Casa Mínima is more than just a narrow building. It is a symbol of Buenos Aires’s complex history. It is a blend of captivating legends and historical facts. It reminds us of the stories hidden in plain sight. As you leave Casa Mínima, remember that even the smallest spaces can hold the biggest stories.