Retiro Belle Époque Palaces

Walk among the magnificent French-style mansions and historic landmarks of Retiro, witnessing the architectural ambition of Buenos Aires's golden age.

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1. Paz Palace

The Paz Palace occupies an entire city block at the edge of Plaza San Martín. You can identify it by its massive, Beaux-Arts stone facade, which draws direct inspiration from the French Renaissance châteaux of the Loire Valley. Completed…

2. Palacio Haedo

The Palacio Haedo stands on a unique triangular block at the corner of Avenida Santa Fe and Maipú, directly facing Plaza San Martín. Recognized for its distinctive asymmetrical corner turrets topped with sharp spires, the building presents…

3. Plaza General San Martín

Plaza General San Martín is defined by its dramatic change in elevation, separating the space into a flat, tree-lined upper section and a steeply sloped garden area. Declared a National Historic Place in nineteen forty-two, this site in…

4. Edificio Kavanagh

The Edificio Kavanagh is a residential skyscraper defined by its stepped, ship-like prow that points toward the Río de la Plata. Completed in nineteen thirty-six, this one hundred twenty meter tall structure was the tallest building in…

5. Palacio San Martin

The Palacio San Martin is a grand Beaux-Arts mansion defined by its three independent residences that converge into a single, oval-shaped central courtyard. Built between nineteen oh five and nineteen oh nine for the wealthy Anchorena…

6. Estrugamou Building

The Estrugamou Building stands on the corner of Juncal and Esmeralda streets, recognizable by its gray mansard roof, towering chimneys, and classical columns that stretch across three floors. Completed in nineteen twenty-nine, this…

7. Embassy of France, Buenos Aires

The Embassy of France in Buenos Aires occupies the Palacio Ortiz Basualdo, a building recognizable by its high cylindrical corner tower topped with a slate-covered dome. Designed by French architect Paul Pater, construction began in…

8. Palacio Pareda

The Palacio Pereda is easily identified by its grand French chateau facade, which occupies a prominent corner overlooking the Plazoleta Carlos Pellegrini. Built as a private residence, this mansion was commissioned by the wealthy physician…

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