Buenos Aires Landmarks and Monuments

(Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Sightseeing enthusiasts rarely leave Buenos Aires without taking several rolls of film, such is the volume of interesting buildings, monuments and landmarks on offer. From sculptures to squares, the city of Buenos Aires is bursting with eye-catching edifices and artworks.

For anyone visiting Buenos Aires with an interest in colonial history and the country's conflict with Great Britain, a trip to the Avenida del Libertador, to see the landmarks of the British Clock Tower and the Islas Malvinas-Falkland Islands War Memorial, is a must. For pleasing sights of classical architecture, be sure to include a visit to the city's Metropolitan Cathedral in your itinerary.

Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral)

Address: Plaza de Mayo, San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina, AR
Tel: +55 011 4331 2845
This magnificent neo-Classical Catholic church is most famous for housing the earthly remains of General José de San Martin, the national hero known for his part in freeing the country from Spanish control. The first stone of the church was laid in the 16th century and this magnificent religious landmark has undergone various rebuilding and renovation projects since then, with the current structure having been completed in the mid-19th century. The line of 12 stone columns along the front make the cathedral appear more like an ancient Greek temple, rather than an actual place of worship.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 09:00 to 19:30
Admission: free

Plaza de Mayo

Address: Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires, Argentina, AR
The city's most significant square from a historical perspective dates back to the late 16th century, when it was founded by Juan de Garay. This landmark is the centre of political affairs within Buenos Aires and is home to a series of interesting buildings, with each standing as a physical reminder of a different era in the city's history. The Old City Hall and the Metropolitan Cathedral are perhaps the most famous structures.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Torre Monumental (British Clock Tower)

Address: Avenida Libertador 49, Buenos Aires, Argentina, AR
Tel: +55 011 4311 0186
Also known as Torre de los Ingleses, the Torre Monumental was constructed for Buenos Aires by the British, in commemoration of the centenary of the May Revolution of 1810. The clock is built in an Elizabethan style and retains most of its original features. Visitors can ascend to the top of the tower by lift, from where great views across the port area are possible and well worth checking out.
Open hours: Thursday to Sunday - 11:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Islas Malvinas - Falkland Islands War Memorial

Address: Avenida Libertador, Buenos Aires, Argentina, AR
Located opposite the British Clock Tower, this monument was erected to pay tribute to the Argentinean soldiers who lost their lives in the Falkland conflict. There are plaques on the sides of the memorial featuring the names of the deceased. The structure is constantly guarded and visitors are expected to behave respectfully around it.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Floralis Genérica

Address: United Nations Square, Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina, AR
Argentine architect Eduardo Fernando Catalano was responsible for creating this unusual flower-shaped sculpture, known as the Floralis Genérica. The piece is molded in metal and includes a light-sensitive element that causes the petals to open and close according to solar activity. At midday, when the sun is highest in the sky, the flower is in full bloom and at its most impressive.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free