Gazing at the quiet tree-lined streets. What if these streets could talk about Villa Devoto? This is the Garden of Buenos Aires. It is a neighborhood with a rich history and a peaceful atmosphere.
Villa Devoto got its name from Count Antonio Devoto. He was a wealthy Italian immigrant. He acquired much of the land here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy granted Devoto the title of count in 1916. This was in recognition of his support to Italy during World War I. Sadly, Devoto passed away a few months later.
Imagine Villa Devoto in its early days. It was once known as Villa Gainza y Lynch. This exurb was part of the General San Martín Partido. The Buenos Aires and Pacific Railway built a rail link. This led to the opening of Devoto Station in 1888.
Count Antonio Devoto was a prominent figure. He was part of Buenos Aires’ elite. He owned a massive mansion named Devoto Palace. Italian architect Juan Antonio Buschiazzo designed it. The mansion boasted 10,000 square meters of bronze, silver, and gold decorations. It also had ironwork from Italy and Florentine mosaics. Prince Umberto di Savoia even stayed there during a state visit in 1924.
Sadly, Count Devoto died before the palace was finished. The mansion was torn down around 1940. He had no descendants. His remains rest at the Basílica of San Antonio de Padua in Villa Devoto.
Villa Devoto has been home to important institutions. The Metropolitan Seminary of Buenos Aires was established here in 1899. Many of Argentina’s bishops and archbishops studied here. Pope Francis is an alumnus. The Devoto Penitentiary was established in 1927. It is the city’s only remaining jail.
In later years, Villa Devoto became a residential area. It attracted English Argentine and American expatriates. A Garden Club was founded by the English-speaking community in 1978.
Sports are also part of Villa Devoto’s identity. The neighborhood is home to two football clubs. These are Kimberley and General Lamadrid.
Villa Devoto has several notable landmarks. The San Martín line’s Devoto Station is one. The Café de García has been a neighborhood icon since 1927. Also, the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Do not forget Delfín Gallo School and Devoto Public Library. Finally, Zubizarreta Hospital.
Many famous people have lived in Villa Devoto. Jorge Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, studied here. Poet Olegario Víctor Andrade resided here. TV comedian Josemaría Listorti also called Villa Devoto home. Footballer Diego Maradona spent time here. TV producer Mario Pergolini lived here too. Tennis player Gabriela Sabatini. General Leopoldo Galtieri also lived here. Even Javier Milei, president of Argentina.
Villa Devoto continues to charm. It is a blend of history, culture, and community. As you wander its streets, remember its past. Count Antonio Devoto’s vision shaped this beautiful neighborhood. The Garden of Buenos Aires welcomes you with open arms.