I’m not sure what it says about Buenos Aires that one of it’s biggest tourist attractions is a cemetery. I can’t really think of anywhere else, even London with it’s gorgeous Victorian graveyards, where tourists flock to a cemetery in such high numbers.
Of course, I can’t really think of any cemeteries quite like Recoleta:
The place well lives up to it’s reputation as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. Each tomb is a unique work of art, an individual memorial to a person or family. Not all of them are quite as fancy as the one above (my personal favorite), but they run the full gamut from sedate and stately to flashy and elaborate. Some are in pristine condition and some are pretty dilapidated:
Of course the biggest celebrity in Recoleta is Eva Peron. Tourists flock to her tomb, despite the fact that it definitely falls under the more boring design category:
Honestly though, there’s so much more to see in La Recoleta than Evita’s little plaque. A couple hours wandering the blocks of tombs leads to all sorts of details and discoveries:
What a totally beautiful place! These pics are great! Thanks for sharing!
-Gaby
When I used to live in Argentina I enjoyed visiting both Recoleta and Chacarita. On the weekends they are packed with tourists, but on weekdays they are very quiet and great places to contemplate.
Chacarita is next on my list for sure, I love a good cemetery.
One doesn’t usually associate the word “beautiful” with a cemetery, but that’s exactly what I’d call this one! Some great photos here.
I love the effect of the light coming through the stained glass onto the sidewalk.
Glad you caught that- I thought it was so cool!
My favorite one, too!
Gorgeous pics of one of my favorite places in the world. I could spend hours there.
Wow! It’s amazing how cemeteries could be so beautiful too. I guess it’s better they’re pretty than scary looking.
I can’t say the same for cemeteries here in the Philippines though. I’d love to visit different cemeteries all over the world and see how people actually keep their dead pampered. 🙂
Amazing photos!! I had no idea the graveyard was so extensive and the tombs so elaborate. Thanks!
I’ve never been to Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris but that gets a lot of traffic too. (Instead of Evita, it has Jim Morrison I guess….)
I’ve not been but I have the feeling that’s the only cemetery that can come close.
This looks gorgeous, love the pictures!
Sometimes I get a little spooked out going to cemetaries… but it always seems worth it in the end 🙂
wow – incredible photos. i want to go there.
also, Arlington Cemetery is another one that draws crowds!
Don’t I know it, I’m from Arlington actually!
I remember wandering around all the cemetery. It’s actually a very nice, peaceful place. Even when it’s too hot to walk. And there are cats everywhere.
I took some cat pictures but I’m saving them for another post 🙂