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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.
Popular Activities at Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
How about making your time spent at Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral even more memorable? Don't miss the chance to try some of these things to do:
- Private Full-Day City Tour
- City Walking Tour
- Comprehensive Pope Francis Tour
- Private Tour to Unlock the Charms of Buenos Aires' Locals
For many more activities, peruse 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
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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
Aug 23 - Aug 24
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
Sep 15 - Sep 16
Exe Hotel Colón
Carlos Pellegrini 507 Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Capital FederalLocated in Buenos Aires Central Business District, this hotel is steps from Obelisco and Teatro Colon. Florida Street and Palacio de Justicia are also within 10 minutes. C. Pellegrini Station is only a 2-minute walk and July 9 Station is 3 minutes.
Per night/room
Aug 21 - Aug 22
Unique Art Madero
Chile 80, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, Capital FederalLocated in Puerto Madero, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Presidente Sarmiento Frigate Ship Museum, Plaza Dorrego, and Women's Bridge. Casa Rosada and Cafe Tortoni are also within 1 mi (2 km). Buenos Aires Independencia Station is only a 3-minute walk and Buenos Aires Belgrano Station is 7 minutes.
Per night/room
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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
Sep 13 - Sep 14
Tango de Mayo Hotel
Av. de Mayo 1396 , Buenos Aires, Capital FederalLocated in Buenos Aires Central Business District, this boutique hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Palace of the Argentine National Congress, Obelisco, and Casa Rosada. Saenz Pena Station is only a 2-minute walk and Lima Station is 4 minutes.
Per night/room
Aug 21 - Aug 22
Unique Palacio San Telmo
Moreno 606, Buenos Aires, Capital FederalLocated in Buenos Aires Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Casa Rosada and Cafe Tortoni. Presidente Sarmiento Frigate Ship Museum and San Telmo Market are also within 15 minutes. Belgrano Station and Bolivar Station are within a 5-minute walk.