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Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and the main Catholic church in Argentina’s capital city. Visit the tombs of famous Argentine generals, admire elaborate artwork and watch free concerts.
In 1580, Buenos Aires founder Juan de Garay designated a plot of land for the city’s first major church. Today’s cathedral stands on the same plot. It was built by European architects using a fusion of 18th- and 19th-century architectural styles. The cathedral’s impressive façade includes 12 Hellenic columns, which represent the 12 apostles. Above the columns is a carved mural that portrays the reunion of Joseph with his brothers and his father, Jacob.
Step inside to admire tall arcaded aisles and discover tombs, frescoes and decorative furnishings. Check out the ornate marble mausoleum of General Jóse de San Martín. He is a national hero and led revolutions against Spanish rule in Argentina and other South American nations. The tomb also houses the remains of Juan Gregorio de las Heras and Tomás Guido, two notable generals from the Argentine War of Independence.
Art lovers will appreciate the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) paintings by Italian artist Francesco Domenighini. A gilt wood altarpiece in the main chapel dates to 1785 and is the cathedral’s most significant colonial feature.
Take one of several guided tours of the choir and artist’s workshop, the mausoleum, the temple and the crypt. Come to the cathedral to enjoy regular free concerts, which offer a changing agenda of organ, vocal and orchestral music.
The cathedral also hosts Noche Buena, Argentina’s most important midnight mass, held on Christmas Eve. It has previously been presided over by Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who became Pope Francis in 2013.
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral stands on the north side of Plaza de Mayo, a short walk from major city attractions such as 9 de Julio Avenue and the Casa Rosada. It is easily accessed via public buses and the metro.
The cathedral is open daily. There is no admission fee. Tour times and a full schedule of events are available on the cathedral’s official website.
Make the most of your time at Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral. Below is a list of some of the top things to do:
- Buenos Aires Walking City Tour
- Private Full-Day City Tour
- Comprehensive Pope Francis Tour
- Private Tour to Unlock the Charms of Buenos Aires' Locals
If you're seeking more activities, take a look at our Buenos Aires things to do page.
Guide to Exploring around Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
Best Lodging Options Near Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
Per night/room
Nov 24 - Nov 25
NH City Buenos Aires
Bolivar 160, Buenos Aires, Capital FederalLocated in Buenos Aires Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps from Cabildo, Plaza de Mayo, and Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral. Casa Rosada and Florida Street are also within 5 minutes. Bolivar Station is only a 2-minute walk and Cathedral Station is 2 minutes.
Per night/room
Nov 21 - Nov 22
Ramada by Wyndham Buenos Aires Centro
Paraguay 857, Buenos AiresLocated in Retiro, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Florida Street, Teatro Colon, and Plaza San Martin. Obelisco and Torre de los Ingleses are also within 15 minutes. San Martin Station is only a 5-minute walk and Lavalle Station is 6 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Savoy Hotel
Av. Callao 181, Buenos Aires, Capital FederalLocated in Buenos Aires Central Business District, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Palace of the Argentine National Congress, Obelisco, and Teatro Colon. Florida Street and Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral are also within 1 mi (2 km). Congress Station and Callao Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
Nov 23 - Nov 24
Hilton Buenos Aires
Av Macacha Guemes 351, Buenos Aires, Capital FederalLocated in Puerto Madero, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Women's Bridge, Presidente Sarmiento Frigate Ship Museum, and Centro Cultural Kirchner. Coleccion de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat and Casa Rosada are also within 15 minutes. Buenos Aires Corrientes Station is 7 minutes by foot and Leandro N Alem Station is 11 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 3 - Dec 4
Claridge Hotel
Tucuman 535, Buenos Aires, Capital FederalLocated in Buenos Aires Central Business District, this romantic hotel is steps from Florida Street and Galerias Pacifico. Teatro Colon and Luna Park are also within 10 minutes. Florida Station and Lavalle Station are within a 5-minute walk.
Per night/room
Dec 9 - Dec 10
NH Collection Buenos Aires Centro Histórico
Bolivar, 120, Buenos AiresLocated in Buenos Aires Central Business District, this luxury hotel is steps from Cabildo and Plaza de Mayo. Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada are also within 5 minutes. Bolivar Station is only a 2-minute walk and Cathedral Station is 3 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 6 - Dec 7
Regal Pacific Buenos Aires
25 De Mayo, 764, Buenos Aires, Capital FederalLocated in Buenos Aires Central Business District, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Galerias Pacifico and Florida Street. Centro Cultural Kirchner and Casa Rosada are also within 15 minutes. Buenos Aires Cordoba Station is only a 4-minute walk and Leandro N Alem Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Dec 1 - Dec 2
NH Buenos Aires Latino
Suipacha 309, Buenos Aires, Capital FederalLocated in Buenos Aires Central Business District, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Gran Rex Theatre and Florida Street. Obelisco and Teatro Colon are also within 10 minutes. Diagonal Norte Station and July 9 Station are within a 2-minute walk.