Filled with history and mystery, ghosts and grandeur, La Recoleta Cemetery of Buenos Aires, Argentina ranks among the most famous cemeteries in the world and is a must-see when visiting Buenos Aires. Over 4,800 above ground tombs and elaborate marble mausoleums cover 13 acres arranged in city-like blocks, complete with street names on each corner, tree-lined “avenues” and smaller walkways branching off like side streets.

 

The imposing entrance gate is flanked by tall Greek columns and the thousands of ornate tombs run the architectural gamut from neoclassical to art nouveau, temples to towers, tasteful to tacky. You can wander among the many stately and well-kept family crypts and others that are actually open and in disrepair.

 

The permanent “residents” of La Recoleta Cemetery occupy the most expensive real estate in the city of Buenos Aires. Created in 1822 from the gardens of a disbanded convent, it was originally a public cemetery for the poor of the city. In the 1870’s, during a yellow fever epidemic, the wealthy of the city migrated to the Recoleta area to escape the plague. Over time, the nearby cemetery became the final resting place for the most powerful and prestigious of Buenos Aires.

One of the most famous people buried at La Recoleta Cemetery is Eva Perón. After being interred and moved several times from country to country, Evita now rests in the “basement” of the Familia Duarte mausoleum beneath two trap doors for security. You can use a map of the cemetery to find the grandiose monuments of past presidents, military leaders, athletes, literary figures and scientists of Argentina. Cemetery lore also includes tragic stories of some the less famous people buried there. One of the most heart-rending is that of Rufina, an 18-year old girl buried alive by mistake in 1902. Her ghost is said to be heard screaming still.

 

Another quirky fact about La Recoleta Cemetery is that it is rumored you can “rent” a mausoleum by the day. Assumedly to work around the high price tag of a permanent plot, with permission (and appropriate fees, of course), families have been known to “borrow” a mausoleum, by replacing the name on the tomb with their own family name for the day and posing for pictures with other grieving relatives!

When in Buenos Aires, be sure to take a couple of hours to visit the fascinating and unique La Recoleta Cemetery. To plan your trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, please contact Covington Travel’s expert advisors.