It is considered to be on of the finest and most expensive areas of the city. It boast many French style buildings, large green and first class restaurants. Originally, this area was made up of simple houses or "ranchos". During the XVII century though, the lands were bestowed to the Recoleto priests where the place takes its name from. Both the Convent and the Pilar Church were built by them in 1706.
During the yellow fever epidemic, in 1871, many rich families fled to this area and built large houses and palaces surrounded by large gardens. Some people consider this district a copy of Paris.

Many cultural events take place here. On weekends there is a large handicrafts market where you can find high quality items, and legions of street performers. Every day you will be able to enjoy tipicaly argentine mate or delicious tea at Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel (Vicente Lopez 1955). 

There are a great number of restaurants, pubs and night clubs on the streets surrounding the cementery (Junín Street, Azcuénaga Street and Vicente Lopez Street), which gives a special atmosphere to the places.
During the week end there is a big handicraft market and lots of free shows, music and theatre plays too.
 

PLACES TO VISIT:

* Recoleta Cementery:

Junin atreet and Quintana Ave.
It is one of the most famous cementeries in the world. It was found in 1822 bay the Recoleto Fathers. There are famous sculptures, crypts and graves where famous people rest, some which are considered Historic Monuments.
Important mausoleums, such as Eva Duarte's, worldwide known as Evita, Federico Leloir's (medicine Nobel Prize), as well as those of other national heroes.


* Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilic:

1892 Junin Street.
It is one of the oldest churches in Buenos Aires. Ir was built in 1732 by the Jesuits.
There is an Inca style sun made in silver in front of the mains altar.

* Recoleta Cultural Center:

1930 Junin Street Tel 4803-9744
It was an old convent, built in 1732, by the Recolets monks. 
Young and avant garde exhibits prevail at the center. Permanent paintings, sculpture, photography and theatre exhibitions take place at the 25 auditoriums.


* Fine Arts National Museum:

1473 Libertador Ave. Tel 4803-8817
It is one of the most important art exhibition centers in Argentina. Where 10 thousand works of art are permanently exhibited and expositions by contemporary artists take place. Works of art by Goya, El Greco, Tintoretto, Van Gogh, Picasso, etc stand out at the exhibition.


* Palais de Glace:

1725 Posadas Street Tel 4804-4324
This circular building is a National Exhibition Hall.


* National Decorative Art Museum:

1902 Libertador Ave. Tel 4802-6606
It was an old private neoclassic residence.
In 1937 it was bought by the National government and turned into a museum.