Regarding the City of Angels, have you ever wondered why it’s also called the City of the Dead? I am talking about the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires. It’s more than just a burial ground. The Recoleta Cemetery is a synthesis of history, art, religion and even death. It serves as a tribute to Argentina’s rich and famous.
Originally, this land belonged to the adjacent Basilica of Nuestra Pilar. Around the 1800s, the government needed land for a cemetery. They bought the terrain. Initially, it was only for Catholic Argentines. Now, the Recoleta Cemetery is a resting place for people of all nationalities and religions.
Inside the Recoleta Cemetery, you will find over 4691 vaults. Ninety-four of these have been declared National Historical Monuments. The Argentine government protects them. The entrance has neo-classical gates and tall Doric columns.
Many elaborate marble mausoleums decorate the Recoleta Cemetery. They showcase various architectural styles. Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic designs are all present. Most materials used between 1880 and 1930 were imported from Paris and Milan.
The Recoleta Cemetery is laid out like city blocks. Wide, tree-lined walkways branch into sidewalks filled with mausoleums. Rich families in Argentina still use these mausoleums. They keep their deceased there. Some mausoleums are well-maintained. Others have fallen into disrepair with broken glass and rubbish.
Sculptures by notable Argentine artists adorn many memorials. Lola Mora and Luis Perlotti have works here. The tomb of Liliana Crociati de Szaszak is interesting because of its design.
You can easily spend hours wandering through this aristocratic cemetery. A guided tour will bring the stories of the deceased to life. You’ll learn more about Argentina’s history.
One famous resident of the Recoleta Cemetery is Eva Perón. Her tomb is a star attraction. Her journey to the Recoleta Cemetery was long and complex. Eva died of cancer at 33. Before a monument could be completed, her husband was overthrown. Her body was hidden for almost 20 years. She was moved from Buenos Aires to Milan and then to Madrid. Finally, in 1976, she was laid to rest in the family crypt at Recoleta Cemetery. The tomb is simple compared to others. Yet, crowds gather around it.
Another notable story involves Rufina Cambaceres. In 1902, she was found dead at her 19th birthday party. A heart attack was suspected. She was buried in the family plot at Recoleta Cemetery. The groundskeeper heard noises that night. The coffin had moved. Scratches were found inside the coffin and on Rufina’s face. She had been buried alive.
The Recoleta Cemetery also has stories of political intrigue. Aramburu, an opponent of Perón, was murdered by Peronistas. His remains were stolen from his grave. The intent was to exchange them for Evita Perón’s remains. The exchange never happened. Both bodies were later found.
The Recoleta Cemetery is not just a cemetery. It’s a vibrant center of arts and design. There is a nearby interior design shopping center. You can see murals, music, and a crafts fair on weekends. People from Buenos Aires spend time here. School children visit on field trips. Friends and couples come for informative talks or afternoon dates.
The Recoleta Cemetery stands as a testament to Buenos Aires’ rich history. It reflects the artistic and cultural heritage of Argentina. It is a place where stories of love, loss, and legacy intertwine. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and history surrounding you. It is an open-air museum.