Today is Sunday in Buenos Aires so we decided to go to mass at La Catedral Metropolitana. This large Neo-Classical cathedral was consecrated in 1836. Inside you will find a Rococo-style altar as well as the mausoleum of General José de San Martin, the liberator of Argentina. Following mass, we head across the street to the Plaza de Mayo.
Detail of Frieze at the Cathedral
The Altar
A View of the Cathedral from the Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo, the main square in downtown Buenos Aires, is the symbolic and physical center of Argentina. This pigeon-populated square (not unlike St. Mark's in Venice or Trafalgar Square in London) was founded in 1580, and has witnessed many dramatic events in Argentina's history, from military bombings and spirited crowds cheering as Eva Perón shouted from the balcony of the Casa Rosada in 1955, to World Cup soccer victory celebrations in 1978 and 1986.
Boy Feeding the Pigeons
Around the square are a number of important buildings. Besides the Cathedral, here you will find the Casa Rosada (Argentina's presidential palace), El Cabildo (the 18th-century government's seat of power, now a museum), and the National Bank.
El Cabildo
The National Bank
Clock with Bell Ringers
The plaza also hosts protests and rallies. Since 1977, Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo (Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo) have held a peaceful Thursday vigil to demonstrate against the military-ordered kidnapping, torture, and execution of up to 30,000 people during the 1976-1983 Dirty War. Their blue and white banners, flags and signs are a permanent fixture in the plaza.
The Flags of Las Madres
Nosotros Podemos
There are also two notable monuments located in the Plaza de Mayo. The Pirámide de Mayo is located in the center of the plaza and is the oldest national monument in B.A. The Pirámide is dedicated to the revolutionaries of 1810 who were responsible for orchestrating Argentina's independence. Halfway between the Pirámide and the Casa Rosada you will find the Monument to General Belgrano, depicted on horseback. General Belgrano is credited with designing Argentina's flag.
Pirámide de Mayo
In Front of the Pirámide de Mayo and the Casa Rosada
Monument of General Belgrano
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