Wasn’t Plaza Arenales originally called Plaza Santa Rosa? That’s what the early plans showed. It was meant to be a tranquil space. A refuge from the bustling city. Today however Plaza Arenales is a vibrant heart of Villa Devoto. It’s a green expanse occupying four city blocks. Originally fenced to keep out wild animals. This large square was once surrounded by dirt roads and diverse trees. Think pines walnuts magnolias and eucalypts. Quite a change from today’s paved streets and manicured lawns.
In 1889 Carlos Buschiazzo and José Poggi designed the area. The initial planting was done by the Municipality. A double row of casuarinas trees surrounded the entire park. In 1914 these fences were removed. The streets were paved in 1897 then later with cobblestones before 1915. The original name honored either Rosa Vaccarezza or Rosa Viale. They were either Antonio Devoto’s mother or first wife.
In 1894 the plaza was renamed. It honors General Juan Antonio Álvarez de Arenales. This is despite its popular name Plaza Devoto. A plan to erect a statue of General Arenales in 1908 never materialized. Yet this proposal gave the plaza its current name. A commemorative plaque was placed in 1939. It marks the barrio’s fiftieth anniversary. The plaza was expanded in 1949. New diagonal paths were also built then. During Argentina’s economic crisis some areas were occupied by shacks. These were removed in 1948.
A bomb attack in 1955 damaged parts of Plaza Arenales. This was a radical group’s attack on a Peronist headquarters. Five people were injured two seriously. Parts of the plaza’s historical heritage were also harmed. In 1958 a monument to the flag was built. Luis Perlotti sculpted the allegorical figures. They represent General Arenales José de San Martín and Manuel Belgrano. Other figures represent Liberty Work agriculture and livestock.
A bronze statue of Antonio Devoto is also there. Arnoldo Zocchi the sculptor of this statue also created a monument to Christopher Columbus. Devoto’s statue was originally at the Humberto Primo Asylum. After a fire it moved to the Antonio Devoto School. Finally in 1980 it found its permanent home in Plaza Arenales. Today Plaza Arenales thrives. It’s a place where history blends beautifully with modern life. It is a true testament to the enduring spirit of Villa Devoto.