Plaza de Mayo is a 19th-century central square in Buenos Aires that got its name from the May Revolution.
The site was the stage for many important events in the country’s history, including the revolt against Spain in 1810 to the continuous vigils held by the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo.
The Belle Époque is evident in the splendid colonial buildings. In and around the square are located several important buildings and monuments. The location is an excellent starting point for a tour of the city.
If you are a traveler who likes to discover details of history and want to know details about the origin of the Argentine capital, it is worth joining a free walking tour of the historic center with a local guide.
The tour lasts about 2 hours and starts at the Plaza del Congreso and ends in front of the Casa Rosada.
Click for Booking + Information about the Free Tour
Monuments and Buildings in Plaza de Mayo
- Casa Rosada and Museum
The Casa Rosada is one of the symbols of the city of Buenos Aires and the seat of the presidency of Argentina.
The construction of the current Government House began in 1873 when a decree ordered the construction of the Post and Telegraph building at the corner of Balcarce and Hipólito Yrigoyen.
A few years later, President Julio A. Roca decided to build the definitive Government Palace at the corner of Balcarce and Rivadavia, a building similar to the neighboring Post Office Palace. Both buildings were joined in 1886 and today form the entrance to the Casa Rosada in front of the Plaza de Mayo.
The museum is located in the remains of two historic buildings that have undergone a rigorous restoration and heritage restoration process.
The museum’s collection houses pieces of historical and artistic character, ranging from the Latin American period to the Argentine presidents.
The museum can be visited from Wednesday to Sunday and on holidays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The entrance to the Casa Rosada Museum is located at Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen. Guided tours take place on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The western facade of Plaza de Mayo is the best known. The eastern façade faces the La Plata River and is the only one with a group of sculptures. The northern facade, on Rivadavia Avenue, is where the President and official authorities enter, and the southern facade faces Hipólito Yrigoyen.
Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen S/N, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: casarosada.gob.ar
- Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires has a history dating back to the early 17th century. The cathedral has a beautiful interior, and on the site are the remains of General José de San Martín.
The cathedral houses the“Museo Cardenal Jorge Mario Bergoglio“, which is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The main objective of the museum is to preserve and spread the memory of the evangelization of the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires, with a tribute to the pastoral step of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
San Martín 27, C1004 CABA, Argentina
Website: cathedralbuenosaires.org.ar
- Monument to General Manuel Belgrano
The Monumento al General Manuel Belgrano is a monument located in the center of the square that was inaugurated in 1873.
It is a joint work by the Argentine Manuel de Santa Coloma and the Frenchman Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse.
- Museo Histórico Nacional del Cabildo y la Revolución de Mayo
The Museo Histórico Nacional de Cabildo y la Revolución de Mayo is a museum located in a former colonial government building that houses exhibits about the country’s culture.
- Palacio de Gobierno de la Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires
The Government Palace of the City of Buenos Aires is another historic building on the outskirts of the Plaza de Mayo. The building was constructed between 1891 and 1902.
- Banco de la Nación Argentina
Banco de la Nación Argentina is a national bank, and the largest in the country, founded in 1891 by Carlos Pellegrini. Its headquarters is located in a building on the outskirts of Plaza de Mayo.
Best Hotel Near Plaza de Mayo
NH Collection Buenos Aires Centro Histórico
Photo Credit: NH Collection Buenos Aires Centro Histórico
NH Collection Buenos Aires Centro Histórico is the best hotel option in the historic center of Buenos Aires (just a few steps from Plaza de Mayo).
The hotel features an outdoor pool offering beautiful city views.
Rooms have a flat-screen TV, minibar, and a coffee maker.
Bolívar 120, C1066AAD Buenos Aires, Argentina
Map of Plaza de Mayo Buenos Aires
Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen s/n, C1087 CABA, Argentina
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