Buenos Aires Travel Guide

Cathedral Metropolitana

Situated in the Plaza de Mayo, the Neoclassical Cathedral Metropolitana houses the tomb of General José de San Martin, the revered hero who liberated Argentina from the Spanish. The General was originally buried in Franche, but in 1880 his body was exhumed, transported to Beunos Aires and buried again, this time in a mausoleum designed by a French sculptor. The mausoleum is "guarded" by three sculptures, each a life-size female figure representing Argentina, Chile and Peru, respectively. The mausoleum also houses the remains of General Juan Gregorio de las Heras, General Tomas Guido, and the Unknown Soldier of the Independence. The cathedral was periodically rebuilt and renovated since the foundation stone was laid in the 16th century. The current structure was finally completed in the mid-19th century. The interior has recently been renovated and the gilded columns, Venetian mosaic floors, and silver-plated altar are in pristine condition.

Some interesting things to see in
Address: San Martin and Rivadavia streets, Plaza de Mayo
Telephone: (0)11 4331 2845
Transportation: Metro to Bolivar, Catedral, or Plaza de Mayo
Admission: Free