Did the geese honk when they landed? I wonder, gazing up at the Palacio de los Gansos. This grand residential building stands proudly at the corner of Avenida Las Heras and Ugarteche, right here in the Palermo neighborhood. The Palacio de los Gansos boasts a unique history. It’s tied to the slang of Buenos Aires, the “lunfardo,” which adds a colorful layer to its story. Completed around 1947, the Palacio de los Gansos reflects the rationalist architectural style. Architects Luis Olezza and Ernesto Vautier brought this vision to life for the original owner, Alfredo Chopitea. This was the same Alfredo Chopitea who, two decades earlier, commissioned the neighboring Palacio de los Patos, a luxurious building in the French academicist style. Now, about that name, “Palacio de los Gansos,” or “Palace of the Geese.” The word “ganso” in lunfardo means “fool” or “silly.” The name was chosen to create a connection with its neighbor, the Palacio de los Patos. “Patos,” or “ducks,” in lunfardo, refers to people without money. After the 1929 economic crisis, the Palacio de los Patos became home to many upper-class families who had lost their fortunes. They were the “patos,” and those who resided in the Palacio de los Gansos, also impacted by the economic downturn, were the “gansos.” The Palacio de los Gansos, you see, tells a tale of changing fortunes. It speaks to the resilience of those who adapted to challenging times. Three interconnected blocks form the structure of the Palacio de los Gansos. A vast garden links these blocks together, providing a shared space for residents. The lower part of the facade is clad in stone, lending a certain rugged charm. Each block has its own entrance, while the patio and covered galleries foster a sense of community. Look closely, and you can still imagine the families who once graced these halls, their stories woven into the very fabric of this building.
Convento Santa Teresa
Hidden behind a quiet Almagro street stands the Convento Santa Teresa a true hidden gem. This convent and its accompanying