El Centro : Tour, travel, apartment, hotel and city guide Buenos Aires
El Centro or the downtown neighbourhood is situated in the centre of Buenos Aires and is concentrated around El Obelisco . The Obelisk was dedicated in 1936 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Rio del la Plata . Centro or downtown is a busy business and financial centre with shops, restaurants, cinemas, government buildings, parks, squares, and many of Buenos Aires most important monuments.
Although busy, Centro 's residential streets still provide very comfortable apartment blocks that are well managed and peaceful places to live. If you want to be in the tourist hub or you are in Buenos Aires for business, then this is the barrio for you.
Two of the biggest avenues in the world can be found in this historic centre, 9 de Julio Avenue, which is one of the widest and Rivadavia Avenue, which is one of longest.
Much of Buenos Aires and Argentina 's history is linked to this district, such as Plaza de Mayo, which has witnessed some of Argentina 's greatest historical events. It was first laid out as a fortress in 1580 when the Spanish returned to settle Rio de la Plata and then during the colonial period it served as a public market, its great civic relevance is conferred the important public buildings such as the Cabildo. Later it was called Plaza del la Victoria after the city repelled the British expeditionary forces in both 1806 and 1807. It took its current name when the Argentina found independence from Spain on 25 May 1810.
Stroll down Avenida de Mayo, one of its most important avenues that maintained its style throughout Argentina 's golden era. It was built to both link and view Casa Rosada and Congress Square.
Florida is the main 'pedestrianised' shopping street. Along its 10 blocks you will find some of the best leather outlets, bookstores, bars, fast-food outlets, restaurants, cafeterias.
. San Martín Square : Designed by the architect Carlos Thays, it has a great historical importance and it is the battlefield on which Buenos Aires residents defended themselves against the English invasion of 1807. You can find more information about this area on our website entitled 'Plaza San Martin.'
. Corrientes Avenue: This Avenue has the most important theatres and is where today's hit musicals are bill boarded.
. "El Obelisco", with its 67.5 meters of height is considered to be a key symbol of Buenos Aires. It was built in 1936. Inside of it there are 200 steps that lead to the small window. It is situated on the corner of 9 de Julio and Corrientes avenues.
. Colon Opera House and Theatre: This theatre displays a French style, designed by the architect Julio Dormal, who finished in 1907. It has a capacity for 2400 guests, who are blown away by its world ranking acoustics. Its dome has a Parisian stained glass window through which lights cast great colour. It has its own museum that holds some of South America 's greatest examples of indigenous ancient musical instruments, as well as workshops. It is located on the block formed by Cerrito, Viamonte, Libertad and Tucumán Streets.
. Café Tortoni: One of the oldest and best preserves cafes in Buenos Aires. It was founded in 1858 and frequently visited by famous characters such as Carlos Gardel and Benito Quinquela Martín among others. Nowadays, jazz and tango shows are a favourite. It is situated at 826 Avenida de Mayo.
. Casa Rosada: The seat of the national government since the First Council. The pink palace owes its colour to Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, who painted it with pink to symbolize the reunification of the country after the civil war between Federals whose battle colour was red, and Unitarians, whose battle colour was white. It is located at 50 Balcarce Street.
. Cabildo: This building was the starting place of the May Revolution. Its work was stopped in1821 when the Law of Suppression of Cabildos was dictated. Today it works as the National History Museum of Buenos Aires.
. Galerias Pacífico shopping centre: Right on Florida Street, this shopping mall is one of the best and most expensive in Buenos Aires. You can find imported brands, as well as restaurants and cafeterias. It is located on the corner of Florida Street and Córdoba Avenue.
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