Requiescant in Pace

A trip to Buenos Aires is not complete until you pay your respects and honor the dearly departed at the Cementerio de la Recoleta (Recoleta Cemetery). Located in the upscale barrio with the same name, the cemetery has been the home to many of Argentina's elite since the mid-19th century. The imposing Doric-columned entrance to the cemetery was added in 1881.

Cemetery Gates: Welcome to the City of the Dead


One of the world's greatest necropolises, the Recoleta Cemetery is a labyrinth of streets and narrow passageways. The above-the-ground tombs, which are built closely to one another, have numerous architectural styles: from Baroque to Greek, Contemporary to Art Nouveau. Many of the tombs are adorned with statues of angels and cherubs.

Cemetery Street Corner


Grieving Angel


Throughout the cemetery, you will likely encounter one of the 40 cats that make Recoleta their home. This particular cat was sleeping in the sun. Don't worry, they are well taken care of...each day, volunteers come to feed the cats.

Sleeping Feline


The Recoleta Cemetery is a must-see attraction on all tourist itineraries for one reason: to make a pilgrimage to see the tomb of Eva Duarte de Perón. The Duarte Family Vault is rather plain and modest. There are multiple plaques commemorating Evita's demise, and flowers are always in abundance.

Duarte Family Vault


Plaque to Evita


Besides Eva Perón, the cemetery is the final resting spot for Presidents, military generals, artists, aristocrats, and other famous Argentinians. In total, there are more than 4,800 tombs in the cemetery. Most of the family mausoleums are well-maintained; however, every now and then, you will come across one where there are no living heirs to take care of the vault.

The Vela Family Vault


Cobwebs for a Family Forgotten


Resting in peace, however, comes at a hefty price. It currently costs upwards of a million dollars (more than the price of an expensive apartment in B.A.) for one of the mausoleums. It just depends on how big and fancy you want your tomb to be!

Jacaranda Tree at Recoleta Cemetery