Architectural Treasures
If you have any interest in architecture, this is the city for you. Because Argentina enjoyed great prosperity in the late 1800s through the mid 1900s, businessmen and government invested in beautifully designed buildings. Argentina has always associated itself with France, so the predominant architectural styles are French - Gothic, Henry II, Baroque, Beaux Artes, Art Nouveau and Deco. Over this period of 150 years literally thousands of buildings were constructed carrying one or more aspects of these styles. Since these buildings were constructed with stone and concrete, they remain in excellent condition today. Thus, Buenas Aires has developed into a living museum of beautiful old buildings. Scroll along below and see what I mean.
French Normandy. An apartment building in Recoleta.
Neo-Classical. Former mansion is now a Hyatt Hotel.
Former mansion is now the Brazilian Embassy.
Former mansion is now a Four Seasons Hotel.
Former mansion is now the French Embassy.
Typical office with apartments building.
More.
How about this?
A rare Italian Renaissance.
And an Italian Gothic.
More chateau style, and a nouveou tower.
This amazing building is a Baroque style, with terra-cotta tile face from England accented with green slate from France, and marble from Argentina. Built in 1895, and called Palacio de las Aguas Corrientes (Palace of Running Water) it has always housed the offices of the Water Administration. It also now houses a water history museum.
The facade is a wonderful blend of color.
It is in excellent condition.
And, right across the street from the Water building is this Baroque apartment building.
Another office building.
Even the slender town house apartments are Rococo.
Another Baroque tower with tower roof missing.
This Beaux Artes beauty houses the Centro Naval (Navy Headquarters).
This is the one I find most interesting of all. This Art Nouveau classic housed a famous cafe called the "windmill Cafe" named after the high-Nouveau style windmill decoration on the tower. This style is late Nouveau, and with the trinkets like a windmill decorating it, it is almost bordering on rediculous. But, still neat to see. Unfortunately, it has not been maintained, and is almost black from accumulated soot.
Finally, a modern reinassance style building. This houses the Algodon Mansion Hotel with only 10 suites. This five star hotel offers a marvelous dining room with French chief providing exquisite meals. Highly recommended.