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Palacio Barolo

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Landmark
—°16
Palacio Barolo (Argentina)

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Palacio Barolo in Buenos Aires is a unique architectural masterpiece and one of the city's most intriguing landmarks. Completed in 1923, it was designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti for the textile tycoon Luis Barolo. The building's entire concept is an architectural tribute to Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy,' divided into three sections representing Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. Standing at 100 meters tall, its height corresponds to the 100 cantos of Dante's poem, and it comprises 22 floors. The summit features a powerful rotating lighthouse, which was originally intended to be seen across the river in Montevideo, Uruguay. The interior is filled with symbolic details, including Latin inscriptions and elaborate bronze sculptures depicting mythical creatures. Until 1935, it held the record as the tallest building in South America. Today, it remains a functioning office building while hosting guided tours that take visitors through its literary levels to the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the capital.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C25242117131091113172023
Rain mm110125122100724968698011310497

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The building is open for guided tours that go up to the lighthouse. Access to some floors may be restricted.
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Typical hours
Tours run regularly from 10am to 7pm, with last entry at 6pm. Advance booking is recommended for weekends.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed on the tour, but tripods are not permitted. The view from the top is excellent for panoramas.
⏱️
Time needed
The guided tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Allow extra time for the gift shop and cafe.
➕
Combine with
Combine with the Casa Rosada and Avenida de Mayo. The Obelisco is a short walk away.
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Getting there
Located at Avenida de Mayo 1370, near Plaza de Mayo. Take the A line subway to Piedras station.
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Insider tip
Book the 'full experience' tour for access to the lighthouse. The upper balcony has the best city views.

Geography

Coordinates
-34.60950, -58.38580

Facts

  • Palacio Barolo was officially inaugurated on July 7, 1923.
  • The building reaches a total height of exactly 100 meters.
  • It features a total of 22 floors and is serviced by 9 original elevators.
  • The lighthouse at the top has a luminous intensity of 300,000 candelas.
  • Architect Mario Palanti designed a near-twin building, Palacio Salvo, in Montevideo.
  • The building was designated as a National Historic Monument in 1997.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Teatro ColónTeatro Colón<1 km · NEExplore →
Floralis GenéricaFloralis Genérica2 km · SEExplore →
Port of Buenos AiresPort of Buenos Aires2 km · NEExplore →
La BomboneraLa Bombonera3 km · NWExplore →
Abasto Children's MuseumAbasto Children's Museum3 km · SExplore →
Galileo Galilei PlanetariumGalileo Galilei Planetarium4 km · SEExplore →
LanúsLanús6 km · WExplore →
Tierra Santa Theme ParkTierra Santa Theme Park7 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Palacio Barolo (16)

Gran Logia de la Argentina de Libres y Aceptados Masones📍 landmark

The historic headquarters of Freemasonry in Argentina, featuring a facade rich in symbolic architecture.

Club Español📍 landmark

A grand social club in Buenos Aires designed by architect Enrique Folkers to celebrate Spanish heritage.

Teatro Avenida🎭 culture

A traditional Buenos Aires theatre specifically famous for hosting classic Spanish zarzuelas and operas.

Centro Sri Sathya Sai Baba⛪ religious

A spiritual center in Buenos Aires dedicated to the teachings and practices of Sathya Sai Baba.

Mural Novo do Messi🏺 historical

A colorful street mural in Buenos Aires celebrating the world-famous Argentine footballer Lionel Messi.

Museum of Scenographic arts "Botíca de Ángel"🏛 museum

A unique museum in Buenos Aires dedicated entirely to the intricate art and history of theatrical scenography.

🕒 Tu-Fr 15:00-18:00

Circo Criollo🎭 culture

A performance venue in Buenos Aires focused on the traditional Argentine circus arts known as Circo Criollo.

🕒 10:00-21:00

Casa Histórica 'Isaac Fernández Blanco'🏛 museum

A historical house museum in Buenos Aires showcasing period architecture and an extensive collection of Hispanic-American art.

🕒 Mo-Fr 12:00-18:00; Sa-Su 11:00-20:00

Alfredo L. Palacios🏺 historical

A public monument in Buenos Aires honoring the influential Argentine socialist politician Alfredo L. Palacios.

Liceo🎭 culture

Recognized as the oldest functioning private theatre in Buenos Aires, hosting a variety of stage performances.

Museo de la Mujer🏛 museum

A cultural museum in Buenos Aires dedicated exclusively to the history, art, and social struggles of Argentine women.

Cataratas del Iguazú, Misiones📍 landmark

A public monument unveiled in 2013 that pays tribute to the majestic Iguazu Falls in northern Argentina.

Plazoleta Afonso R. Castelao🌳 park

A small urban square in Buenos Aires dedicated to the memory of the Galician writer and politician Afonso R. Castelao.

Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Montserrat⛪ religious

A historic Catholic parish church in Buenos Aires dedicated to Our Lady of Montserrat.

Patio de las Palmeras🌳 park

A grand, palm-lined inner courtyard located within the monumental Central Department of the Argentine Federal Police.

Plaza Monserrat🌳 park

A central urban park located in the historic Monserrat neighborhood of Buenos Aires.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Palacio Barolo?
Yes, but usually only with a guided visit or reserved access. The building is famous for its symbolism and rooftop terrace.
How long does the tour take?
The tour usually lasts 1 to 2 hours. Add a bit more time for the rooftop and photos.
Is Palacio Barolo photogenic?
Very much so, especially inside and on the roof. The mix of architecture, light, and details makes it well-suited for photos.
Is it accessible?
Not fully, because it is a historic building with stairs and narrow spaces. For specific needs, ask ahead.
When should you book?
A few days ahead is best, and earlier in peak season. Guided slots are often limited.
Palacio Barolo: where is it located?
Palacio Barolo is located in Argentina.
Palacio Barolo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gran Logia de la Argentina de Libres y Aceptados Masones, Club Español, Teatro Avenida.
Palacio Barolo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Palacio Barolo: why is it worth visiting?
Palacio Barolo in Buenos Aires is a unique architectural masterpiece and one of the city's most intriguing landmarks.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
South America
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History & landmarks

Teatro Colón — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Teatro Colón
One of the world's most acclaimed opera houses, known for its incredible acoustics and beauty.
Obelisco de Buenos Aires — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Obelisco de Buenos Aires
An iconic monument located in the center of Buenos Aires, symbolising the city's identity.
Argentine National Congress Palace — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Argentine National Congress Palace
The monumental building housing the Argentine National Congress, with a prominent dome.
Palace of Running Waters — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Palace of Running Waters
A visually stunning building that once served as a major water pumping station, known for its facade.
Cabildo of Buenos Aires — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Cabildo of Buenos Aires
The site of the May Revolution, representing the birth of Argentine independence.
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
The main Catholic church in Buenos Aires, reflecting neoclassical architecture and history.
Recoleta Cemetery — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Recoleta Cemetery
A historic cemetery featuring elaborate mausoleums, including the grave of Eva Perón.
Torre Monumental — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Torre Monumental
A historic clock tower in Buenos Aires, formerly known as the Torre de los Ingleses.

More places

Port of Buenos Aires — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Port of Buenos Aires
The largest port in Argentina and the main hub for maritime trade.
Abasto Children&#39;s Museum — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Abasto Children's Museum
An interactive museum inside the Abasto shopping center where children can playfully try out various professions.
Buenos Aires Ecopark — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Buenos Aires Ecopark
The former Buenos Aires zoo has been transformed into an interactive ecopark dedicated to environmental education.
Tierra Santa Theme Park — Palacio Barolo (Argentina)
Tierra Santa Theme Park
A religious theme park in Buenos Aires that meticulously recreates ancient Jerusalem.