Hidden behind a deceptively classical facade, the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral whispers tales of resilience. It’s hard to believe, looking at this stately structure dominating Plaza de Mayo, that the Metropolitan Cathedral has been rebuilt seven times. The original wooden structure, erected alongside Buenos Aires’s founding in 1580, succumbed to time and elements. Each iteration faced its own challenges, from collapsing roofs to faulty domes. The current cathedral, begun in 1753, showcases a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Inside, the Metropolitan Cathedral is a feast for the senses. Venetian mosaics, laid painstakingly by hand in 1907, adorn the floor. The main altarpiece, a masterpiece of Rococo design from 1785, glitters with gold. Look closely and you’ll discover delicate silverwork on the altar and pulpit, crafted by renowned silversmith Carlos Pallarols. Within the cathedral’s walls rests General José de San Martín, a hero of Argentine independence. His mausoleum, guarded by grenadiers, features a black marble sarcophagus draped in the Argentine flag. Three marble figures represent Argentina, Chile, and Peru, nations San Martín helped liberate. The Metropolitan Cathedral stands not just as a place of worship, but as a testament to the enduring spirit of Buenos Aires, a city that rises from the ashes, time and again.
Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano
The Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano is a treasure. It offers a window into the past and present of Hispanic-American art.