A leisurely stroll along the 11-block Avenida de Mayo will reveal a Parisian-style boulevard with wide, tree-lined sidewalks. This street was Buenos Aires' statement to the world that they were now a cosmopolitan city. Avenida de Mayo links the Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada on the eastern end of the street to the Plaza de Congresso and the National Congress on the western end. Midway along the Avenida de Mayo, you will find and intersect B.A.'s other famous street, Avenida 9 de Julio.
La Prensa
Just off of the Plaza de Mayo is the Casa de la Cultura, the former home of the newspaper La Prensa. This stunning Neo-Baroque building is quite ornate. The avenue is also home to many breathtaking Belle Epoque, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco buildings.
Café Tortoni
The avenue is home to some of Buenos Aires' oldest bars, cafes, and bookstores, including Café Tortoni. Opened in 1858, Café Tortoni is a great place to come for coffee, conversation, or a lite meal. Tango shows are offered in their back room.
Tortoni's Back Room for Tango Shows
Tortoni's Back Room for Tango Shows
When you get to the intersection of Avenida de Mayo and Avenida 9 de Julio, if you look north you will see El Obelisco. This monument (sort of a miniature version of the Washington monument in Washington, D.C.) commemorates the 400th anniversary of the founding of B.A. Since the Avenida 9 de Julio is twelve lanes wide, you will likely find yourself on the median of the road waiting to cross traffic; this will give you a chance to see the 220 foot obelisk.
El Obelisco
El Obelisco
Inscription on the Obelisk
Some of the most ornate architecture on the Avenue is found just west of the Avenida 9 de Julio. Among the most intersting buildings are the Hotel Castelar, Teatro Avenida, Hotel Chile, Palacio Barolo, and the Edificio la Inmobiliaria.
Palacio Barolo
Palacio Barolo Tower
Ornate Sculptural Details
Balconies Over the Avenue
At the western end of the avenue you will find the colossal gray stone Palacio del Congresso, Argentina's National House of Congress. Inspired by the Capitol in Washington, D.C., it was completed in 1906 and has an enormous 85-meter dome. In front of the building is the Monumento a los Dos Congresos which has high steps symbolizing the Andes Mountains and a fountain representing the Atlantic Ocean. It honors the congresses that led to Argentina's independence.
At the western end of the avenue you will find the colossal gray stone Palacio del Congresso, Argentina's National House of Congress. Inspired by the Capitol in Washington, D.C., it was completed in 1906 and has an enormous 85-meter dome. In front of the building is the Monumento a los Dos Congresos which has high steps symbolizing the Andes Mountains and a fountain representing the Atlantic Ocean. It honors the congresses that led to Argentina's independence.
Palacio del Congresso
Monumento a los Dos Congresos
Monumento a los Dos Congresos
Fountain Angels
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