1900-1930: Buenos Aires Days of Splendor

I love discovering new things and finding new places in my own city.

Once upon a time Argentina was one of the wealthiest countries in the world. In the early XX century Buenos Aires simply blossomed, experiencing a strong demographic growth and embracing a deep modernization process.

Dreaming of Paris, the local aristocracy produced a series of urban projects with the aim of creating the South American pole for arts and architecture. Most of these buildings still remain and provide the city its particular European charm.

Starting at Plaza San Martin will take a look at San Martin Palace, Paz Palace, Plaza Hotel, Retiro Station, and Kavanagh tower, while talking about the powerfull families that had coined the destiny of the city and the nation, and had used this area as their private spot, building not only majestic mansions, but temples and monuments.
Then we will move north, through Arroyo, a street well known for its antique shops and art galleries.
After crossing 9 de Julio Avenue, the road will lead us to the elegant Avenida Alvear, a street deepply influenced by French academy architecture, a perfect scenary to recall excentric and funny anecdotes of the owners mansions around us.
Moving north, we will reach Plaza Francia, and the Recoleta Cementry, the exlusive city of the (rich) dead in the heart of a lively and upmarket neighborhood. Get ready for some aristocratic ghost stories.

Later on, the walk will take us to the embassies quartier, also known as "la isla", where will get some amazing views of the city and its parks.
Finally, the journey will end at Errazuriz Alvear Palace, which is today the Decoration and arts National Museum, giving as the chance to explore a fully conserved mansion from inside, getting a true impression of the glamorous lifestyle of its original owners.