I’m writing this post on a Sunday. Today, like every Sunday, there’s a neighbourhood in Buenos Aires where you can be taken back in time just by walking along its picturesque narrow streets. This is your lucky day! Let me show you the best spots you’re not to miss in your next trip!
San Telmo was where the first citizens of Buenos Aires established and some of the colonial style houses you’ll see are almost 200 years old! This former jesuit establishment was one inhabited by the most prominent families in the area, who were forced to move after a yellow fever outbreak round year 1871. The abandoned biuldings then became a refuge for European immigrants, who at that time were coming in great numbers to Argentina. What used to be mansions became “conventillos” where an immigrant labourer could get a room and a plate a day at a reasonable price.
Most houses and buildings remain from those old times, including the heart of San Telmo, called Plaza Dorrego. Here, every Sunday a flea market comes to life, featuring all types of antiques and collectables as well as artisans displaying their products.
Just some blocks away you can find the Mercado de San Telmo.
Here you can find food stalls that sell fresh products and mostly typical food from different regions in Argentina, like the widely known “empanadas” (you can’t leave Argentina without eating them. You can also find the remaining permanent antique shops in here and in the streets surrounding the building.
While you walk along the pebbled streets, you’ll see backpacker artisans and artists from all around the world. You’ll pass by charming cafés and art galleries, modern gift shops and regional products stores (where you can try Dulce de Leche, a kind of sweet spread most Argentinians love!). Keep an ear out for bandoneon players and you might watch a live tango show!
You’ll probably come across some of the characters that make up the Paseo de la Historieta, a series of sculptures that pay tribute to famous comic strips, including Mafalda, who I dare say is one of the most beloved characters for the undercover political and social messages this little girl and her friends shouted out even in the country’s darkest times.
You might also want to check out the Casa Minima, the narrowest house in town, with only 2,5 metres wide, is an example of the type of house a slave’s family could have. Another good spot you can’t miss the Galería Solar de French, who was home to Domingo French, a famous patriot who took part in the Revolution in 1810. It now hosts gift shops and craft shops, and makes a nice place for pictures.
The sun shines over some colourful umbrellas suspended in the air, he flowers and colonial lamp posts make of this a delightful place to take pictures.
As you can see everything in San Telmo is about the history! Here I leave for you a list of Museums, the most worthy in my opinion is the Museo Histórico Nacional, where you can learn more about the past of Argentina and its long, harsh path to become a nation. Original and replica weapons and national symbols are exhibited in a beautiful garden.
Other museums:
- Museo Histórico Nacional: Defensa 1600
- Museo de la Ciudad: Defensa 223
- Museo de Arte Moderno (MAMBA): Av. San Juan 350
- Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MACBA): Av. San Juan 328
- Museo Etnográfico Juan B. Ambrosetti: Moreno 350
- Museo de la Emigración Gallega (MEGA): Chacabuco 955
- Museo Nacional de la Historia del Traje: Chile 832
I’m doing my best not to expand so much but I swear the list just goes on and on! So you’ll have to come (please wear your most comfy skeakers) and get lost in San Telmo’s streets!
Some of the places here are part of my list: Buenos Aires on a Budget: Top 10 + Extras have a look!
Have you ever been to Argentina? Please tell me about your visit! Would you like to come? Stay tuned to find out more about what my country has to offer!
As I am quite new to Connect, please feel free to comment on how I could improve my posts, I am already trying to put into practice some tips by @AdrianLunsong as part of the #connectwritingchallenge I missed in May! Thanks for reading!
