Churches in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and architecture. However, one of the most notable aspects of the city's architecture is its stunning churches. These churches showcase a blend of European and Latin American styles, many of which have historical significance.

Buenos Aires is divided into 22 and two mission parishes, each with its church. Apart from these parish churches, there are also 50 churches, and public chapels, along with 80 other chapels. The city has many magnificent churches with splendid architecture. Many of them date back to the 18th century. Many tour companies in the city provide walking tours to the most significant churches in Buenos Aires, some of which are mentioned below.

San Ignacio de Loyola Church

The San Ignacio Church is one of the oldest churches in Buenos Aires. It was built by the Jesuits in the 17th century and is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The church is in the city center, near the Plaza de Mayo. Built between 1710 and 1734, it is famous for being a place of resistance during the English invasions of 1806. The church has tunnels beneath which can be visited, and it stands out with its Baroque facade. Many influential 18th-century paintings can also be viewed here, including the sliding canvas of San Ignacio de Loyola, which dates back to 1767.

Address: Bolívar 225
http://sanignacio.org.ar/

Basilica of San Francisco

The Basilica of San Francisco is a historic church built in Buenos Aires in the 18th century. It is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. It is located in the city's heart (Microcentro), near the Plaza de Mayo. Built-in 1730 by a Jesuit architect, this is one of the oldest churches in Buenos Aires. Reconstruction in the early 20th century was added to give it a German baroque facade. Statues of Saint Frances of Assisi, Christopher Columbus, and Dante, among others, can be seen in this magnificent place. Inside the church are an extensive library and a stunning tapestry created by Argentine artist Horacio Butler.

Address: Alsina 380 Location: Calle Defensia and Alsina (San Telmo)
http://www.basilicadesanfrancisco.org.ar/

Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church

The Nuestra Señora del Pilar Church is beautiful in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. The Franciscans built it between 1706 and 1732, and it is known for its stunning architecture and artwork. Pilar served as a refuge where the monks of Recoleto lived until 1820 and is also one of the highlights of the most prestigious neighborhood in Buenos Aires. It is situated immediately next to the cemetery in Recoleta. Widely believed to be the most beautiful church in the city, Nuestra Senora del Pilar is a national historical monument.

Address: Junín 1905
http://www.parroquiadelpilar.com.ar/

Russian Orthodox Church

This church in the 17th century Muscovite style opened in 1904. The original project was designed by the architect of Russia's Holy Synod, Mihail Preobrazensky, and later adapted in Buenos Aires by Alejandro Christophersen, who designed many other buildings in the city, including the Palace San Martin in Retiro. Each of the church's blue domes is topped with a cross facing East and supported by chains, as is the custom in Russia. The facade shows three biblical scenes, and the frontispiece features a mosaic image of the holy trinity brought from St Petersburg.

With five impressive sky-blue domes, this Muscovite-style church stands out among the Buenos Aires architecture. The church is characterized by Venetian mosaics, stained glass windows, and icons sent from St. Petersburg by Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexandra to adorn the church.

Address: Avda Brasil 315 near Parque Lezama.
www.iglesiarusa.org.ar

Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral is the most important Catholic church in Buenos Aires. It is located in the Plaza de Mayo, in the city's heart. The cathedral's construction began in 1580 and underwent several renovations and expansions. It is a must-visit for tourists who are interested in history and architecture. It is easy to spot with its beautiful, neo-classic architecture. The cathedral serves as a resting place for the ashes of General José de San Martin, who was the liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Entry is free, with guided tours every weekday.

Address: San Martín 27
catedraldecristo.org
How to get there: The cathedral is located in the city center, near the Plaza de Mayo.

Church and Convent of Santo Domingo

This church and convent is located in the barrio of Montserrat and dates back to the end of the XVI century. Located here is the mausoleum paying tribute to that of Gral. Manuel Belgrano, the creator of the Argentinean flag. The Church and Convent of Santo Domingo consist of a large base of red granite with two reliefs depicting the Flag and the Battle of Tucumán. YOu can find the church in San Telmo.

Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy

The Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy is a stunning church with Baroque and Neoclassical architectural elements. It was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the most important religious sites in Buenos Aires. The church is located in San Telmo, one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Buenos Aires.

Address: Defensa 699
www.basilicadelasmercedes.org.ar

Santisimo Sacramento Church:

The Santisimo Sacramento Church is a stunning church built in Buenos Aires in the 18th century. Mercedes Castellanos de Anchorena, owner of the Palacio San Martín, commissioned the building of this church on what was then part of her land and donated it to the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. The church was designed by the French architects Coulomb and Chauvet, and was consecrated in 1916. Pope Benedict XV declared it a minor basilica. The luxuriously decorated church has a large collection of gold and silver, as well as stained glass, marble, blue granite and bronze ornaments and Venetian mosaic. The remains of the church's benefactor rest in the crypt.

Address: Reconquista 207 (Retiro)
www.arquidiocesisbcn.org