Argentina: Buenos Aires (Recoleta)

In this the final post of my current Buenos Aires series, the highlighted neighborhood will be Recoleta. Known for its dog-walkers, old-timers, museums, libraries, embassies, and universities, this part of the city made for a morning walk that felt more like a scavenger hunt with the goal of "Who Can Spot the Most Foreign Diplomats." Since this neighborhood is home to very important people who reside in not-so-big living spaces but still enjoy the companionship of a canine or two, dog-walking services are the norm. Up to a dozen dogs at a time can be seen walking through the streets of Recoleta. 

Another one of Recoleta's main attractions is a cemetery that houses the graves of very important historical figures. One can spend hours getting lost in this labyrinth of mausoleums while learning about the stories of those laid to rest and admiring their elaborate monuments. Each tomb is unique in design, but many display the casket of the deceased which can be viewed through a glass window. Another common feature are stairs that lead to an underground chamber where other family members are often buried. Among those buried in this cemetery are:

• José Hernández, author of the famous piece of gaucho literature Martín Fierro (d. 1886)
• Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, Argentine president from 1868-1874 (d. 1888)
• Eva Perón, actress, first lady, and politician (d. 1952) 

Monument marking the burial place of Sarmiento

The most-visited tomb of the cemetery where Evita Perón rests in peace

One of the elaborate monuments marking the tombs of Argentine war heroes

The cemetery also had some adorable guards keeping watch over the souls laid to rest

Not far from the cemetery and located next to the national university's law school, one will find the Plaza of the United Nations. Located in the center of this plaza is a giant stainless steel flower, also known as Floralis Genérica. This shiny sculpture opens its petals during the day and closes them at night and is a representation of all of the flowers in the world. 

With so many neighborhoods in Buenos Aires offering a plethora of sights to see, we had originally thought that Recoleta wouldn't amount to much excitement. On the contrary, we discovered so many hidden gems and were left wishing we had additional time to happen upon even more. It's already been decided that the next time we are in Recoleta we will visit the national library, a museum or two, and add to the list of foreign embassies we have spotted.