The heart where Argentina beats politically
At the center stands the Pirámide de Mayo, the oldest national monument in Buenos Aires. Around it spreads a vast open space, bordered by the pink facade of the Casa Rosada, seat of the Argentine executive branch, where the president can appear on the balcony during official events.
On another side of the square unfold the arcades of the colonial Cabildo, neighbor to the metropolitan cathedral. The headquarters of the Bank of the Argentine Nation completes this collection of buildings that tell, each in its own way, the history of power in Argentina.
Why visit Plaza de Mayo
The location of the square dates back to the second foundation of Buenos Aires by Juan de Garay in 1580, who established the original Plaza Mayor here. It later took its current shape in 1884, after the demolition of the Recova, an arcade building that cut it in two and served as a market, uniting the former Plaza de la Victoria and Plaza 25 de Mayo.
It was on this square that the May Revolution of 1810 took place, the starting point of Argentine independence. The Pirámide de Mayo was erected in 1811 for the first anniversary of this foundational event.
A living memorial site
Every Thursday at 3:30 PM, the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo march around the pyramid, just as they have done since 1977 to demand information about their children who disappeared during the military dictatorship. This silent march has made the square a symbol of resistance that extends far beyond Argentine borders.
Continuing its historical role, the square remains a lively venue for political rallies and gatherings. In front of the Casa Rosada, an equestrian statue of General Manuel Belgrano, the work of French sculptor Albert Carrier-Belleuse, watches over this stage where several chapters of the country's history have unfolded.
Friendly tip: come on a Thursday afternoon to witness the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo walking around the pyramid, a moment that gives the visit an entirely different dimension.
How long for this activity
Plan on 30 to 45 minutes to walk across the Plaza de Mayo and take in the monuments, or half a day if you plan on going inside the cathedral or the Cabildo.
A gorgeous square that tells the history of the country. Take the time to read up a bit on the Madres de Plaza de Mayo.