One of our days in Buenos Aires, we found ourselves exploring an elaborate stone city in search of a crypt – that of la familia Duarte. Why, you ask? Duarte was the family name of one Eva Perón. But that wasn't the only reason to see this magnificent landmark. I enjoy touring cemeteries to see the elaborate headstones and mausoleums. The Cementerio de la Recolta even rivaled the fabulous Laurel Hill here in Philadelphia. Located in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires it contains the graves of notable people, including Eva Perón, presidents of Argentina, Nobel Prize winners, the founder of the Argentine Navy, and a granddaughter of Napoleon. It was not a disappointment. And the challenge was going through the maze of "streets" trying to find the Duarte mausoleum. I knew the place would be pretty, but had no idea is was to be so elaborate.
Mausoleum or museum? Perhaps both. When you stumble on a tomb, you linger a while and study its unusual design or its carefully sculpted lines. The Recoleta neighborhood of BA is an affluent one, and its cemetery is no exception. Some of the capital’s most prestigious schools are situated in this part of the city, as are shops of prominent French and Italian couturiers. No wonder the tombs are also ornately fashioned.
After some time touring, near an alley in the rear of the cemetery, we find a narrow door adorned with flowers. Despite being one of the cemetery’s most popular landmarks and arguably the most fun to find, Eva’s resting place was actually humble in comparison to many of the temples, and statues that surround it. But there was also a few temples that had broken windows, and were in rough shape. Some you could even see the caskets just resting in their slots. I have never seen that before.
The other thing I noticed the more we toured, was the amount of cats there were all over the place. And I mean a lot! I couldn't help wonder, are they the spirits come back, or are they the guardians of the dead? We pet a few, but most, you couldn't get near as they would go hide.
Later that night we had a delicious dinner at the Don Julio.
I know someone commented about the beef there in the pass comments. I think Gorilla did, so I thought I'd post my big piece of meat!
IDK, that meat looks awfully small...
ReplyDelete;-)
Guido always tells ME, size doesn't matter.
DeleteJP
Although it is nice to sink your teeth into a nice sizable piece.
DeleteAbby does not approve of all the cats!
ReplyDeletePussies! Also the pictures are great. I love how the tombs are so elaborate. The only thing that concerns me is that some of them are bigger than the $500k homes I see for sale here in San Diego!
ReplyDeleteNot at all morbid, but I love a good graveyard, cemetery, mausoleum. I find them such peaceful places, and this one, like ones in New Orleans, with the "streets" is no exception.
ReplyDeleteAnd, you know, being a Cat lady, I like to think the cats are there to help people, those who've gone on and those still here.
Just sayin'.
I like that that thought! There has got to be something about the place the cats like. I have never seen so many in one place.
DeleteI find these kinds of cemeteries so fascinating and the worship of Eva Peron unfortunate.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing the following Eva still has. But talking to many there she is either loved or hated still. The country is still paying for things that the Peron's put through.
DeleteGreat cemetery, one could collect decorating ideas! I want to spend eternity surrounded by cats.
ReplyDeleteI like that thought too. I wouldn't mind cats around.....
DeleteI love a good cemetery, and that's a good cemetery.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting tour, thanks!
ReplyDeleteOf all the post, this is the one thing I would have to see. I too love cemeteries and I have seen Laurel Hill once, but have never seen anything like this. So cool.
ReplyDeleteWow!!! I loved all the photos!!! This trip is amazing. You must have had a really good time. All those cats there is cool too.
ReplyDeleteAmazing place, and so elaborate. Stunning pictures. But I think your piece of meat makes the one on the plate look small.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you had the experience of traveling and that you're safely home again. I have been really enjoying these post. We have a old set of doors here in our home that were once on a old mausoleum. We use them for out patio doors out from the house.
ReplyDeleteOh, mistress, we are always interested in seeing your big piece of meat.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy walking through old cemeteries. I find the info interesting as well as some of the grand architecture used on markers.
Hugs!
What an interesting place to visit, and the photos look great indeed. Warm greetings to you!
ReplyDeleteThank you dear! It's been hectic here, I need to come visit you.
DeleteI admit it is an unusual tourist destination but it is a rather amazing city of the dead. I would still be nervous going in. Were you?
ReplyDeleteWeird to visit a cemetery, but I always take my camera, there's some particularly beautiful statues of angels in the one near me. I would love to see this one.
ReplyDeleteThat steak looks mouth watering. But your meat usually is.
So happy you had nice time, nice to see Buenos Aires through you, enjoy the posts. I already miss my America boy.
ReplyDeleteJust like everyone, we went into Recoleta Cemetery to find Evita Peron's grave. We wandered around but found it difficult to locate the tomb of Evita. Finally we stumbled upon it as it was in one of the narrow lanes under the Familia Duarte maunsoleum. Along the way, we peered into some of the tombs with cracked windows and can even see the coffins inside! I wouldn't want to be here after dark!
ReplyDeletebeautiful mistress! but you always have to have the meat out don't you?
ReplyDeleteInteresting and stunning, but morbidly weird. This trip looks like you had a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteThe little houses where people are buried are so intricate and truly one of a kind. So stunning. Beautiful and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteI love it when people do things on holiday they wouldn't normally do at home. I'm talking about petting the pussies, Mistress. ;)
ReplyDeleteWell safe to say, the most I've ever been around in one place.
DeleteAbsolutely FASCINATING post - - and wonderful photos!!!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I love exploring cemeteries...and I'm smitten by Eva Peron.
That photo of the cat atop the cross is priceless!!!
Thank you Jon......one of my favorites too. I have a ton more pictures, but we'd be here all month looking at picture. I took close too 2000 pictures total.
DeleteLooks like there's so much interesting art, statues, and architecture in this cemetery. There's probably tons of great history too, a tour would be interesting, I'd love to see this someday.
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