On a crisp Buenos Aires morning in 1898, a group of Italian immigrants and their descendants gathered with a shared passion: cycling. They envisioned a place where they could celebrate their heritage and this beloved pastime. Thus, the Club Italiano, originally named “Club Ciclistico Italiano”, was born. The Club Italiano began its journey in the elegant Recoleta neighborhood, renting the Recreo Belvedere facilities on Avenida Alvear. For a decade, this served as their home, a hub for cycling enthusiasts. But change was on the horizon. In 1909, the city of Buenos Aires acquired the Recreo Belvedere property. The club faced the inevitable need to relocate. After much deliberation, they found a new haven in the Caballito neighborhood in 1910. A fruit and vegetable farm on Avenida Rivadavia, across from Plaza Lezica (later Parque Rivadavia), became their new home. That same year, they constructed the buildings that would house their growing community. The Club Italiano had found its permanent residence. In 1922, the club solidified its presence by purchasing the property. This marked the beginning of an era of expansion. Neighboring properties were acquired, leading to the club’s first major enlargement, inaugurated on the last day of 1926. The Club Italiano continued to evolve, adding a heated swimming pool, a pelota court, a gymnasium, fencing and weightlifting rooms, and even bowling alleys. By the 1980s, the Club Italiano had grown significantly. Through a series of purchases, it acquired 17 hectares in Parque Almirante Brown. This vast expanse allowed them to create extensive sports fields, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and numerous other facilities. From its humble beginnings as a cycling club, the Club Italiano has blossomed into a vibrant social, cultural, and sporting institution. With thousands of members, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Italian community in Buenos Aires.
Convento Santa Teresa
Hidden behind a quiet Almagro street stands the Convento Santa Teresa a true hidden gem. This convent and its accompanying