Monuments of Buenos Aires: Homage from the French Community to the Argentine Nation - Plaza Francia


This monument, located at Plaza Francia, on Libertador Ave. and Pueyrredon Ave., is called “Homage from the French Community to the Argentine Nation” (Homenaje de la Colonia Francesa a la Nación Argentina), and was made by French sculptor Emile Peynot. It was one of the first gifts from foreign communities to our country, for the celebration of the Centennial of 25th May, 1810 Revolution.

It is made of a pedestal, with embossed figures on the sides that recreate two Argentine scenes: The Crossing of the Andes and The First Government Meeting, and two French scenes: The Storming of the Bastille and The Ball Course.

In the four sides we can see sculptural groups symbolizing the Industry, the Arts, the Agriculture, and the Sciences.

The monument is crowned by another sculptural group of two female figures, depicting France and Argentina, sowing well-being and abundance, while they are being led by a genie with a torch to enlighten them.

Plaza Alemania



Paza Alemania is sorrounded by Avenida Del Libertador, Avenida Casares, Castex and Cavia. The designer of this park was French landscape-architect Charles Thays, who is also the author of the plans for the Botanical Garden of Buenos Aires, among other parks in Buenos Aires. It was inaugurated in 1914, with its flower beds and a European-style garden.



The imposing monument-fountain located in the center of the park, called “Riqueza Agropecuaria Argentina” (Argentinian Agricultural Wealth), was donated by the German community in 1910 as an acknowledgment of Argentina´s hospitality. It was created by sculptor Gustav Adolf Bredow in Rome´s lava (soft rock), Carrara marble and bronze.



In 2004, the city's Government decided to recover the original layout and splendor of the park, which had been abandoned throughout the years. One of the main works was the renovation and recovery of the fountain which wasn´t functioning for many years. The playground for children was also renovated with new equipment.

Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires: Recoleta



Recoleta is the most traditional and upscale neighborhood in Buenos Aires. It is noted for the French architecture of its buildings and mansions, which give the impression that a little piece of Paris was magically transported to this part of the city.
This neighborhood accounts for many tourist attractions, like Recoleta Cemetery, The National Museum of Fine Arts, the artisans´fair, the Decorative Arts Museum, The Flower, the colonial Del Pilar Church, among others. There are also great restaurants, bars, cafés, and stylish shops. This is a nice area to stay, for walking along the streets, visit the numerous art galleries and museums, or just seat and relax to have a coffee and people watch at one of the terraces outside the Recoleta Cemetery or at the Buenos Aires Design Center.



There are also some beautiful parks which are especially nice in spring, with their jacaranda trees and pink lapachos. Don´t miss the 200-year old rubber figs that raise in front of the cemetery.

One of the most traditional streets in this neighborhood is Alvear Avenue, where you will find the most sophisticated shops. Other beautiful streets and avenues are: Callao Ave., Quintana Ave., Posadas St., and Santa Fe Ave., with lots of shops and commercial galleries. The apartments for rent in this neighborhood are generally classic style, upscale apartments. There are also some modern buildings with a more contemporary style.


There are some five star hotels in this area, including Alvear Palace Hotel, Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt, Four Seasons Hotel, Caesar Park Hotel.


Attractions:
Recoleta Cemetery: burial site of Evita and Juan Domingo Perón, and many other important people in Argentine history. The mausoleums and tombs are true works of art.
Artisans Crafts Fair at Plaza Francia: only on weekends and holidays
Palais de Glace: Exhibitions center that holds different events throughout the year.
School of Law: impressive building in neoclassical style.
The Flower Monument "Floralis Generica" and Square
Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilica: ancient colonial church.
Monument to Gral. Alvear

Shopping/leisure:
Village Recoleta Shopping Mall
Patio Bullrich Shopping Mall
Santa Fe Avenue


Monuments of Buenos Aires: Carlos Pellegrini




This sculptural group, placed at Carlos Pellegrini Square (Alvear Ave. and Libertad St), made with Carrara marble and bronze, is the work of the French sculptor Felix Coutan, and was inaugurated in 1914.

It has an imposing base that symbolizes the bow of a ship. It supports the figure of a public man, holding a flag with his left hand, and expressing with his right hand his strong will to defend it through the institutions created by him.

On the upper part, a female figure is the Republic, holding in her hands the symbol of unity and the National Coat of Arms. The sculptures on the sides symbolize the Justice and the fight for progress, industry and commerce.