The Recoleta: Infamous Cementario

During the boom-time and for years later, those wealthy Porteños looking to immortalized themselvesselves and their family name would purchase a plot and build their own monument. Often employing the best artisans and using the finest Italian marble, the result is one of the most spectacular collection of mausoleums, statues and sarcophagi containing the crypts, tombs and other containers of rotting bones etc. in the world. Many of the names here are of the cities elite and rich and famous. Perhaps most tourists who visit the cemetery come to see Eva Perón’s grave. I looked for Sarmiento’s grave as well as Saenz Peña and other characters and historical figures of Argentina’s colorful history. Although San Martin, the grand liberator of Argentina is not buried here (his body and the eternal flame of liberty) are located in the catedral just off Plaza de Mayo in the microcenter.

The crowds gather around Evita’s and her family’s grave. Where’s Juan’s body today? (photo by Tim Amos)

A new rose to replace the fading. The day Evita died at 33 years old in 1952, the country stopped. And they haven’t stopped remembering.

(photo by Tim Amos)

Angelic figures, virgens, struggle and strife are all depicted in creative expressions on the edifices of these monuments of death.

Who can build the tallest and grandest tomb of all?

Line up. Reserve your space. People are dying to get in here.

Some of the graves are very well maintained, others have been neglected and seemingly sadly forgotten.