Argentina – Rosario's Landmark Plaza 25 de Mayo

A Walking Tour Around the Central Square with Historic Buildings

Jul 14, 2008 Karin-Marijke Vis

Around Rosario's oldest park stands a patrimony of architecture visible in public and private historic buildings, including its 19th century cathedral and municipality.

In 1852 Rosario was declared a city and in the course of time has become Argentina's third urban area. La Plaza 25 de Mayo became Rosario's first landmark and social centre. The elaborate architecture of historic buildings around the plaza largely dates from earlier days and former wealth and culture ooze from every nook and cranny.

Cathedral on Plaza 25 de Mayo – Rosario's Landmark

The one hour walking tour around the plaza starts at the Catedral Basílica Santuario Nuestra Señora del Rosario. The first chapel was built in the 1730s, the cathedral wasn't constructed until 1882. Two pieces of art stand out: the stained glass window above the wooden entrance in the porch, depicting the blessing of the Argentinean Flag in 1812, and the Stations of the Cross which are bronze reliefs by local sculptor Eduardo Barnes.

In 1896 El Palacio Municipal was constructed [also called "Palacio de Leones" – after the lions that flank the stairs]. Inside, old Rosarion shields hang above some of the doors, featuring the flag, the Paraná shore and wheat stalks – the symbols of Rosario. The same elements are used in the carvings of the wooden entrance door. Take a look in the first hallway on the right: until ten years ago, the stained glass windows formed the door to the adjacent building – the bishop’s residence – which in turn was connected to the Cathedral. The bishop’s residence was taken down to construct the "Pasaje Juramento", the footbridge which connects the Plaza with "El Monumento de la Bandera" [the Monument of the Flag] – Rosario's landmark of modern times.

Artwork in Museum and Historic Buildings around Plaza 25 de Mayo

Continue to Estévez Museum on Santa Fe Street [open Wed-Sun 3-8pm, Sat & Sun 10am-8pm]. Constructed in 1888 as a residence, the museum houses an outstanding collection of pictures, sculptures, marvelous pieces of glasswork, silverware, marble, and other artwork from the 17th century on.

The historic building on the corner of Santa Fé and Laprida houses a government department [SeNaSa]. Notice how the latticework of the ground floor differs from that of the first floor. Also notice the large urns on top of the building and how parts of the decoration under the roof have come off. These lie stacked inside, waiting for the "right" moment to be restored – whenever that may be. Inside there still is an ancient mantel piece, stained glass windows and carved, wooden doorpanels.

On the next corner, Córdoba and Laprida, look up at the roof of "La Bola de Nieve". This is a historic housing complex dating from 1906 and named after the sculpture of a snowball on top of the building – another of Rosario's landmarks.

Protected Status of Historical Buildings in Rosario

In time the old police headquarters gave way to the post office, which outgrew itself and in 1938 the current building was constructed – the main postoffice. Admire the huge lanterns that hang from the high ceilings and the large, decorated clock on the outside. The police headquarters was the last of the historic buildings around the plaza.

Although most of the historic buildings around the square have a protected status, one can only hope that they won't be demolished to make way for another of those ugly apartment buildings that seem to take over this old city.

A Walking tour in Rosario – the City's Landmark and Historic Buildings

Plaza de Mayo is one of Rosario's landmarks and a walking tour around the square is a good way to learn about one of Argentina's beautiful cities. For refreshments during or after the walking tour, walk down the Pasaje Juramento and the Monument of the Flag to the waterfront, where pleasant outdoor cafés at the Estacion Fluvial are situated. Ready for another walking tour? The itineraries Churches and Urban Museum in Rosario as well as Historic Buildings in Rosario both start nearby. Or check out the recently inaugurated Che Guevara Statue.

The copyright of the article Argentina – Rosario's Landmark Plaza 25 de Mayo in South America Travel is owned by Karin-Marijke Vis. Permission to republish Argentina – Rosario's Landmark Plaza 25 de Mayo in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Catedral Basílica Santuario NS del Rosario	Post Office, Plaza 25 de Mayo, Rosario, Argentina	Historic Building on Plaza 25 de Mayo, Rosario
Catedral Basílica Santuario NS del Rosario	La Bola de Nieve, Landmark Rosario, Argentina

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Dec 5, 2009 6:39 AM

Karin-Marijke Vis :

I think that the best place in Rosario is El Palacio Municipal. It is so classy. I was looking for short term apartments in Rosario Argentina since i was able to stay only for fifteen days. let me tell you that you need a whole month to know real Rosario. Anyways, I had a great time! Lindsay

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