snapshots: recoleta cemetery

14th April 2012

Buenos Aires, Argentina

              Just north of the city centre in Buenos Aires lies the upper-class neigbourhood of Recoleta. After strolling around the area I came across the high concrete walls of the famous Recoleta Cemetery which is home to the departed souls of some of Argentina´s most famous figures including celebrities, writers, presidents, artists and Evita herself. The cemetery was built in 1732 and due to the high profile of its inhabitants the tombs and graves are lavishly opulent in their design and construction. Marble sepulchres line the wide boulevards and narrow alleyways that connect this small city of death together and walking through the blocks of tombs I was amazed at the architectural engineering that went into creating some of these graves. Fallen angels stand side by side with proud presidents and a muted silence covers the gloomy metropolis which plays in great contrast to the hustle and bustle of the surrounding neighbourhood. Glancing into the sky, hooded figures gaze down at the crowds of people while marble crosses dazzle under slices of sunlight which reflect off their smooth surfaces. I took some photographs of my favourite tombs, I hope you see past their morbidity and appreciate the beauty on display.

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The Skyscraper Tomb.

Cathedral Tomb.

Fallen Angel.

Eva Peron, more affectionately known as Evita by the Argentine people, rests in the Recoleta Cemetery under her family name of Duarte. Eva Peron was the second wife of President Juan Peron and she became a hero for the working class descamisados "shirtless ones" due to her political speeches concerning labor rights. She also championed women´s suffrage in Argentina and headed several charities. She also attempted to run for position of Vice President of the country but had to withdraw her candidacy due to her declining health . Just before her death (she died from cancer at just 33) she was given the title of "Spiritual Leader of the Nation" by the Argentine Congress and is still highly revered among the Argentine people today.