by 
It was a warm summer’s day in Buenos Aires and like all tourists there was no way I could come to this amazing city and not visit Eva Peron: “The Spiritual Leader of the Nation”, which she really is now, ironically.
I entered the grand gates of Recoleta Cemetery where Argentina’s elite are buried and was overwhelmed at the size of this place: it’s enormous. It actually covers four city blocks and is located in one BA’s plushest neighbourhoods. The tombs are stunning – more than 6,000 of them all ornate and unique. Some are built to resemble chapels, temples and mansions; one is a miniature replica of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia.
After exploring the cemetery for an hour I was getting anxious, I couldn’t find Evita’s tomb. Suddenly I spot a herd of tourists, some clicking away and others trying desperately to look over the selfish tall guy’s shoulders. There it was: the First Lady’s resting place. It took her 17 years (after her death) to finally land a spot in this ultra-exclusive cemetery. Which tells you one thing: Even in the after life you need to pull some strings to get VIP treatment.
Comments
Hugo says...
The recoleta is a weird and wonderful place. Very Buenos Aires.
What an amazing city; it had an extra-ordinary feeling of decaying grandeur to me - a bit like a Garcia Marquez novel brought to life.
My over-riding memories were: Wonderful cafe's, preposterously large tender steaks, crumbling imperial splendour and mysterious feeling parks.
Did you have any favourite spots in BA? I want to start mentally planning my next trip back.
Posted 536 days ago.
seema says...
I have many favourite places in BA..It's hard not to. On a Sunday morning, the Feria de Mataderos market is a great place to people watch and pick up some bric-a-brac. At night, a tango show is a must; El Querandí is a good one. And Puerto Madero, the new port area has some great restaurants, my fave - Cabana Las Lilas.
Posted 534 days ago.
madisteps says...
Recoleta Cemetary is definitly a must on a short trip to BA, but also try to catch the Chararita Cemetary which is fascinating and a lot less touristy.
Posted 532 days ago.
sara says...
I can't believe I haven't been there yet. Thanks for the pics.
Posted 496 days ago.
Rplum says...
I thought the cemetary was a bit spooky, especially with all the cats prowling around and popping out of nowhere... did no one else get a bit freaked out?
Posted 492 days ago.
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