Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta Cemetery, just a short walk from my apartment, is one of Buenos Aires' most popular tourist attractions. It is the final resting place of past Presidents, war heroes, celebrities and the elite of Buenos Aires. In addition to its no-longer-living residents, it is also home to dozens (if not hundreds) of abandoned cats who are fed by some of the elderly neighbors who visit the cemetery on a consistent basis.

As you walk through the maze of mausoleums, you are overwhelmed by the amount of money (and labor) that was spent on their construction. The architecture ranges from gothic to belle epoque to rationalist. Some of the mausoleums are well-kept and obviously looked after, while others appear to have been abandoned, with broken windows and partially open caskets present.

Its most famous resident is Eva Peron, of course, but this past week the most popular spot was the burial ground for ex-President Alfonsin. The cemetery is mobbed on weekends with tourists and locals alike and is much more peaceful and enjoyable to explore during the week when everyone is at work. Nearby to the cemetery is Plaza Francia, where a lovely weekend craft market is held throughout the year. The plaza also plays host to a large bohemian community who come here to perform, smoke pot, and work on their tans during warmer weather.