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TOURS: CENTRAL AREA
Aduana de Taylor
Location: Behind the Casa Rosada.
A large rectangular pit opened in 1983 now shows the courtyard ruins of the so-called Taylor New Customs. Built with bricks between 1855/57, its neoclassical style was designed by architect Edward Taylor. It used to reach as far as where Plaza Colón stands nowadays. Originally there was a tower used as a beacon and a wooden pier whose central part penetrated into the river.
Metropolitan Cathedral
Location: Av. Rivadavia and San Martín.
This is the most important Catholic Church in Buenos Aires. It has been rebuilt six times since 1580. The building, in neoclassical style, has a profile that is not commonly used for cathedrals, as there are no towers and it resembles more an ancient Greek temple than a traditional Catholic temple. The remains of General San Martín, the most important hero of the Independence are kept here.
Cabildo
Location: Bolívar 65.
This used to be the institution that represented the interests of the
local people. The current building dates from 1940, when it was restored
in a colonial style by Mario Buschiazzo. Moreover, the first City
Council with a precarious construction had been built there in 1610.
Only in 1725, a two-story building with balconies and a tower was built.
The biggest changes from 1880-89 resulted from the reforms of the urban
area planning. The building lost its tower, numerous arches and its
original style. In its museum there are elements linked to the
institutional history of the city on display, especially from the
colonial era.
Legislature of the city
Location: Julio A. Roca 575.
It was inaugurated in 1931. Its author, architect Hector Ayerza, sought a French academic style (Louis XIV) for the building. At the front, on Avenida Roca a group of 26 statues symbolizes various elements linked to the government of a city. The 95-metre lookout tower deserves to be emphasized, its five bells and a four-quadrant clock. In the luxurious interior, the Honour Stairway made of marble is the access to the Golden Room, replica of the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles in France.
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