BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — La Recoleta Cemetery’s most famous resident is Eva Peron. But her plain burial site might just be the least ostentatious in the whole cemetery.
In terms of luxury accommodations for the dearly departed, Recoleta’s cemetery ranks pretty highly. You would never call it plain. It’s not a field with rows of rectangular marble headstones. Instead, it has hundreds of ornate crypts crowding over each other for attention.
After all, not every cemetery has streets and avenues. Most of the cemetery’s mausoleums are above ground, but some have small stairwells leading to underground basements.
A few of the tombs are old and unkempt, well on the way to looking like an abandoned pile of rocks. But most of the tombs and mausoleums are much more lavish and could easily qualify as mini-temples. Gleaming glass and marble enclosures. Ornate wrought-iron gates open to small stairwells leading underground. Marble statues of angels and saints guard the entrances.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The grand neoclassical entrance to Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta) features the phrase “May They Rest in Peace” above its gates. This historic cemetery, established in 1822, houses elaborate mausoleums and serves as the final resting place for many notable Argentines. The cemetery’s main entrance exemplifies the architectural grandeur that makes it one of Buenos Aires’ most visited landmarks. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=bfbec13c-7a44-4035-89fa-4959a331f9a5 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Recoleta sits on top of a hill in Buenos Aires next to Our Lady of Pilar Basilica on ground that was once the church’s orchard. It gets its name from the neighborhood, traditionally a wealthy one.
La Recoleta Cemetery’s most famous resident is Eva Peron, best known in the west as Evita. She died in July 1952 of cervical cancer, but she wasn’t immediately laid to rest in the current location. It wasn’t until 1976 that she was permanently placed in the current location behind a small panel in a family crypt.
Befitting her popular appeal, it just might be the least ostentatious place of rest in the whole of La Recoleta cemetery, but it’s easy to spot because of the constant stream of visitors and fresh flowers.
Photos of La Recoleta Cemetery
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Ornate mausoleums and tombstones line the pathways of Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). These elaborate structures, built between the 1820s and the present day, showcase architectural styles ranging from neoclassical to Art Nouveau. The cemetery contains over 4,500 above-ground vaults, with nearly 100 designated as National Historic Monuments. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=c2c896d3-fa54-4d19-a90b-dd49671550c5 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Fresh flowers mark the Duarte family vault in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta), where Eva “Evita” Perón rests. The tomb of Argentina’s former First Lady, who died in 1952, remains a pilgrimage site for visitors and devoted followers. The modest bronze door of the Duarte mausoleum contrasts with the ornate architecture typical of this historic cemetery. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=aa5fe547-ecdb-4b84-8237-b772e491977b Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The elaborate mausoleum of José C. Paz, founder of La Prensa newspaper, showcases the work of French sculptor Jules Félix Coutan in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). Created in 1904, the tomb features dramatic sculptural elements, including life-sized angels and symbolic imagery representing the departure of the soul, reflecting the grandeur of Belle Époque funerary art. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=1d7e4f6b-9af4-468e-8ab3-bc07ddc80532 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The mausoleum of General Pablo Riccheri, architect of Argentina’s modern military system, stands in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). Created by sculptor Luis Perlotti, the monument features bronze relief panels depicting Riccheri’s military reforms, including the establishment of mandatory military service in 1901. The tomb honors the general who modernized Argentina’s army during the early 20th century. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=a3477fda-aa5a-4198-afcd-66e0b92d9c7b Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The Art Nouveau mausoleum of Rufina Cambacérès in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta) features a life-sized marble statue of a young woman at its entrance. The tomb commemorates the tragic story of 19-year-old Rufina, who allegedly awakened after being prematurely declared dead in 1902. The sculptural detail of the figure appearing to open the tomb door reflects the haunting circumstances of her death. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=d531c4e5-f943-49ca-843f-565714bc0715 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Visitors gather at the Duarte family vault in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta), paying their respects to Eva “Evita” Perón. The tomb of Argentina’s former First Lady, who died in 1952, continues to draw admirers and tourists from around the world. Fresh flowers and offerings regularly adorn this relatively modest mausoleum, demonstrating Evita’s enduring impact on Argentine culture and politics. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=c5c9c563-c043-4684-88e0-036cb6b95c2c Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Ornate mausoleums and tombstones line the pathways of Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). These elaborate structures, built between the 1820s and present day, showcase architectural styles ranging from neoclassical to Art Nouveau. The cemetery contains over 4,500 above-ground vaults, with nearly 100 designated as National Historic Monuments. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=08044831-7fdf-4446-916b-f4c30e4f8213 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, is visible from a window of Our Lady of Pilar Church. The cemetery features ornate mausoleums and tombs, offering a striking view from the historic Baroque church. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=c96cb6d8-79b6-40ef-8275-076e0406197c Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Ornate mausoleums and tombstones line the pathways of Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). These elaborate structures, built between the 1820s and the present day, showcase architectural styles ranging from neoclassical to Art Nouveau. The cemetery contains over 4,500 above-ground vaults, with nearly 100 designated as National Historic Monuments. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=ea07d3f0-bbc3-4b46-aa5b-ff654ec713ed Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — A pathway in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta) showcases the cemetery’s urban-style layout. These pedestrian corridors, designed to mimic city streets, create an organized grid between the ornate mausoleums and tombs. The cemetery’s rational planning reflects the European influence on 19th-century Argentine urban design. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=7fc9f5c6-a38b-4557-a4e6-dc07adcd3cdf Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — The marker plaque on the Duarte family vault in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta) identifies the final resting place of Eva “Evita” Perón. This understated bronze marker on the family mausoleum belongs to Argentina’s former First Lady, who died in 1952 at age 33. Despite the tomb’s relatively modest appearance, it remains one of the cemetery’s most visited sites. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=d320e525-da1d-4fcc-8861-eb1e78ba9dea Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — A stone mausoleum in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta) stands partially covered by climbing vines. The natural growth creates a striking contrast with the formal architecture, demonstrating how nature interacts with the cemetery’s historic structures. This atmospheric integration of architecture and vegetation exemplifies the cemetery’s evolving character over time. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=376d67d4-27db-447b-b3d6-0b2fe2941168 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Ornate mausoleums and tombstones line the pathways of Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). These elaborate structures, built between the 1820s and present day, showcase architectural styles ranging from neoclassical to Art Nouveau. The cemetery contains over 4,500 above-ground vaults, with nearly 100 designated as National Historic Monuments. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=01edb1c1-3e23-4dc7-af64-152031015475 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Scaffolding surrounds a deteriorating mausoleum in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta), indicating ongoing preservation efforts. The ornate but crumbling structure exemplifies the challenges of maintaining historic funerary architecture. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=65c8c6b8-cc03-4348-a710-13fc780a2358 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — A view through one of the original colonial-era windows of the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar reveals the historic Recoleta Cemetery beyond. The cemetery, established in 1822, sits adjacent to the 1732 church and ranks among Buenos Aires’ most significant historic sites. The architectural relationship between these two historic landmarks exemplifies the historical importance of the Recoleta neighborhood. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=feb1f18a-66c5-4e3c-aad4-fcd72c44bee7 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Intricate geometric patterns and ornamental designs adorn the weathered iron gates of mausoleums in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). These metalwork details showcase the sophisticated craftsmanship of 19th-century Argentine and European artisans. Despite showing signs of age and rust, the gates retain their elaborate decorative elements, demonstrating the cemetery’s rich architectural heritage. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=1cd85912-de78-414e-91f9-f24d216864be Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Ornate mausoleums and tombstones line the pathways of Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). These elaborate structures, built between the 1820s and present day, showcase architectural styles ranging from neoclassical to Art Nouveau. The cemetery contains over 4,500 above-ground vaults, with nearly 100 designated as National Historic Monuments. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=bfded62b-6a45-4dd7-8f8e-4cc8c8b94afd Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — A rustic stone mausoleum with climbing vines stands in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). The rough-hewn stonework and ornamental iron gate exemplify the diverse architectural styles found within the cemetery. Natural growth adds a romantic element to this historic burial vault, contrasting with the more polished monuments nearby. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=d2395a87-c465-4159-8df0-7406dcea8ef7 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Yellow and white flowers adorn the wrought iron gate of a mausoleum in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). This simple floral tribute represents the continuing tradition of remembrance in this historic cemetery. The flowers’ placement on the ornate metalwork creates a poignant contrast between the cemetery’s permanent architecture and ephemeral offerings. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=76e65b6e-b304-4f2b-80ee-174d7601c509 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — An ornate commemorative plaque adorns a mausoleum in Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). These detailed markers typically display family names, dates, and memorial inscriptions, representing the craftsmanship common in Argentine funerary art of the period. Such decorative elements reflect the European-influenced memorial traditions that characterize this historic cemetery. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=00790e02-ab04-42fa-bf17-0b91139fd9b9 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Ornate mausoleums and tombstones line the pathways of Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). These elaborate structures, built between the 1820s and present day, showcase architectural styles ranging from neoclassical to Art Nouveau. The cemetery contains over 4,500 above-ground vaults, with nearly 100 designated as National Historic Monuments. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=bf56326f-be8f-44e4-8655-0756d85dc86e Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will TravelBUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Ornate mausoleums and tombstones line the pathways of Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). These elaborate structures, built between the 1820s and present day, showcase architectural styles ranging from neoclassical to Art Nouveau. The cemetery contains over 4,500 above-ground vaults, with nearly 100 designated as National Historic Monuments. https://www.alamy.com/image-details-popup.asp?Imageid=71770cfa-a604-470d-a551-560063eec4d2 Photo by David Coleman / Have Camera Will Travel
Map
Junín 1760, C1113 CABA, Argentina
More About Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery, located in the eponymous district of Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a significant historic site known for its ornate mausoleums and as the final resting place of many notable Argentines, including former First Lady Eva Perón.
The cemetery was established in the early 18th century by the Order of the Recoletos, from which it derives its name. Initially, it served as a public cemetery, but it was later designated for the interment of the city’s elite, which is reflected in the grandeur of its funerary monuments.
The cemetery spans over 14 acres and contains 4691 vaults, all above ground, many of which have been declared National Historical Monuments by the Argentine government. These vaults showcase a range of architectural styles, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic.
One of the most visited graves in Recoleta Cemetery is that of Eva Perón, also known as Evita. Her tomb, located in the Duarte family’s mausoleum, draws numerous visitors due to her enduring legacy in Argentine politics and culture.
Recoleta Cemetery is not merely a graveyard but an open-air museum, a testament to the city’s architectural and cultural history. Its winding paths are lined with marble statues, tall Greek columns, intricately carved scrollwork, and imposing mausoleums that tell the story of Buenos Aires’ past.
The cemetery’s location in the upscale Recoleta district of Buenos Aires ensures easy accessibility for visitors. It is in close proximity to other notable sites, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar and the Recoleta Cultural Centre, making it an integral part of any city tour.
Providing a serene yet poignant exploration of Argentina’s history and the legacies of its people, Recoleta Cemetery is an important cultural landmark in Buenos Aires.
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