Cabildo

Opposite the Casa Rosada on the Plaza de Mayo is the resplendent former Spanish town hall, the Cabildo, a fascinating old colonial building fronted by arches that once encircled the plaza, back during the May Revolution in 1810. The guards outside the building are members of the revered Regimiento de Patricios, which was formed in 1806. They still wear their traditional uniforms, designed nearly 200 years ago. The interior houses a small museum, which displays some interesting architectural relics, religious icons as well as watercolour paintings by Enrique Pellegrini.

Address: Calle Bolívar 65 Telephone: (011) 4334 1782 Transport: Subte to Plaza de Mayo, Catedral or Bolívar Opening Time: Wednesday to Friday 11.30am to 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 2pm to 6pm

Catedral Metropolitana

Other important buildings around the Plaza de Mayo include the Neoclassical Catedral Metropolitana, which houses the tomb of General José de San Martin, the revered hero who liberated Argentina from the Spanish. The cathedral was rebuilt and renovated periodically since the foundation stone was laid in the 16th century. The current structure was finally completed in the mid-19th century. The interior has recently been renovated and the gilded columns, Venetian mosaic floors, and silver-plated altar are in pristine condition.

Address: Plaza de Mayo Telephone: (11)4 331 2845 Opening Time: Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 12.30pm and 5pm to 7.30pm, Sunday 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 7.30pm; free guided tours Monday to Friday 1pm, Saturday 11.30am, Sunday 10am

Mar del Plata

Two hundred and thirty miles (400km) south of Buenos Aires, Mar del Plata is by far Argentina’s most popular beach resort. Around three million local tourists holiday here every summer, drawn to its busy beaches and lively entertainment. Visitors can alternate between spending idle days people-watching on the beach or enjoying a spot of culture at one of the city’s small galleries. There is also the bustling port to visit with its numerous and colourful traditional fishing boats and noisy colony of sea lions. For a spot of good living, the Mar del Plata has some excellent bars and restaurants and, at the height of the summer, a non-stop nightlife. Some visitors prefer to travel outside the peak Christmas season when there are shorter queues for restaurants and the like. Even in winter the city doesn’t close down, as there are half a million permanent residents.

Teatro Colón

 The Teatro Colón opened in 1908 is the second largest performing arts theatre in the southern hemisphere, second only to the Sydney Opera House in Australia. It was designed by Italian architect Francisco Tamburri and is an Italian Renaissance-style building with a seating capacity of 2,500 (although more people have been squeezed in at a time). It has hosted many international performers including Nijinsky, Pavlov, Pavarotti and Domingo. Guided tours take visitors to the theatre’s workshops, rehearsal rooms and auditorium and stage.

Address: Avenida 9 de Julio Telephone: (0)11 4378 7132/3 Email: visitas@teatrocolon.org.ar Transport: Subte to Carlos Pellegrini station Opening Time: Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm, Sunday 11am to 3pm (daily guided tours in English (11am, 1pm, 3pm) or Spanish) Admission: $12, concessions available