Buenos Aires – Teatro Colόn
by admin on set.02, 2010, under Events in Buenos Aires
The Teatro Colόn, erected in 1908 in Buenos Aires, is rated among the best five opera houses in the world.
The building covers an area of 8200 square metres, bordered by 9 de Julio Avenue, Libertad Street (where the main entrance is), Arturo Toscanini Street and Tucúman Street. It has a seating capacity of over 2400 people plus standing room for 1000.
Construction works began in 1889 under the direction of Francesco Tamburini, who designed it in a distinctive Italian style, but following his death and a number of unforeseen events and financial problems, the theatre was only completed 19 years later, with some changes decided by Belgian architect Julio Dormal.
The Teatro Colόn officially opend on 25th May, when the worldwide famous opera Aida by Italian composer Verdi was performed, confirming the absolute success of the theatre.
Enrico Caruso, Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, Carlo Bergonzi are just some of the many famous Italian stars who have appeared on the stage of the Teatro Colόn over the years, while among the greatest composers Arturo Toscanini stands out.
After some years of refurbishment, started in 2006, the theatre reopened this year last May, with a gala concert and 3D animations, during which La bohème by Puccini and the Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky were played.
You may have a look at the official website (Spanish only) for further information about the history, the bill, the school, and much more.
Buenos Aires – Palermo
by admin on ago.31, 2010, under Buenos Aires Guide, Tourist Attractions, Travel Tips
Palermo is the largest district, or barrio, of Buenos Aires. It is situated in the northeastern part of the city and is characterized by many elegant villas and suggestive boulevards lined with trees.
It can be subdivided into different neighborhoods:
Alto Palermo, at the very core, has a high number of shops clustering around Santa Fe Avenue. The Alto Palermo shopping centre is the most famous of the area.
Palermo Viejo is the oldest zone, with many symbols of the older Spanish architectural style. It is mainly a residential area.
Palermo Soho is the most modern neighborhood, featuring several restaurants and bars especially frequented by the young and the tourists.
Palermo Hollywood is actually a part of Palermo Viejo, famous for the nightlife.
Palermo Chico, a very rich area with luxurious apartment houses owned by the famous and wealthy. There are two museums in this area: the National Museum of Decorative Arts and the Museum of Latin American Art.
Las Cañitas, upmarket area where also is the Campo Argentino de Polo.
In sum, Palermo is a splendid example of the multifaceted and enjoyable nature of Buenos Aires, absolutely not be missed.
Buenos Aires travel guide
by admin on giu.29, 2010, under Buenos Aires Guide, Tourist Attractions, Travel Tips
Travelling in Buenos Aires offers the opportunity to visit so many different and interesting places that you never get bored of this city. Follow our Buenos Aires travel guide.
In the district of La Boca you may take a walk on the football pitch where once Diego Armando Maradona played. La Bombonera is in fact one of the most renowned stadium of the world, home of the popular football club Boca Juniors, and it also hosts a museum.
If you are keen on nature, then you will certainly enjoy a day in the Botanical Garden and in the Ecological Reserve of Puerto Madero (link), little gems that boast marvellous large green areas.
The Buenos Aires travel guide also includes the experience of dancing tango at the National Tango Academy in Buenos Aires. Take lessons from the expert native teachers, and learn this enchanting dance, but pay attention not to become addicted!
Don’t miss the chance to visit one of the greatest theatre in the world, the opera house Teatro Colón. You don’t have to be a fan of opera to enjoy an opera or ballet perfomance. They are simply stunning.
If you want to put into practise the tips of this travel guide , book an apartment in Buenos Aires, and get it started!
Buenos Aires – La Boca
by admin on giu.29, 2010, under Buenos Aires Guide, Tourist Attractions, Travel Tips
La Boca is a district located in the south-east area of Buenos Aires, characterized by the vibrant colours of the buildings: purple, yellow, green and red.
A most interesting tourist attraction in La Boca is the Clara Chevalier Museum, which includes a guided tour by the owner and manager, Ms. Chevalier. She will guide you through the reconstructed rooms of her old house, giving a portrait of what living was like some decades ago, when she was young. You will also admire a collection of her most famous paintings.
The brightly coloured houses in La Boca are mostly concentrated in the proximity of the port, which has kept a distinctive nineteenth century ambience over the years. For both these reasons, the port is a must see place in La Boca.
Finally, in La Boca district there is a world famous stadium: La Bombonera, or rather Estadio Alberto J. Armando. It has a seating capacity of 49000 and is home stadium of Boca Juniors, the most popular Argentinean football club. Fans make it literally tremble when they start to jump in rhythm before and during a match. International star Diego Armando Maradona, among the best football player of all the times, played for Boca Juniors in 1981.
You may watch a football match in La Bombonera, or simply visit the museum, walking through the changing rooms and across the playing field.
Buenos Aires – Botanical Garden
by admin on giu.29, 2010, under Buenos Aires Guide, Tourist Attractions, Travel Tips
Buenos Aires boasts a stunning Botanical Garden, one of the largest of the world, declared national monument in 1996. The Botanical Garden is situated in the district of Palermo, near Palermo Park, the Japanese Garden and the Buenos Aires zoo.
The Buenos Aires Botanical Garden was conceived by architecture and designer Carlos Thays, in the last years of nineteenth century. It holds over 5000 species of plants and trees, as well as various monuments and sculptures, such as Figura de Mujer, Saturnalia, Sagunto and Los Primeros Frios.
Recently, a growing number of abandoned cats have been populating the Buenos Aires Botanical Garden. They are fed by voluntaries who also provide vaccines and veterinary cares, and put them up for adoption.
The Botanical Garden has three different sections:
the Oriental Garden, that holds African palms and brackens, European oaks and hazelnut trees, Asian Ginkgo Biloba, and Australian Eucalyptus and Acacias;
the French Garden with its symmetric style of 18th century;
the Romand Garden, where you may see cypresses, laurels and poplars.
National Tango Academy in Buenos Aires
by admin on giu.29, 2010, under Buenos Aires Guide, Tourist Attractions, Travel Tips
The National Tango Academy in Buenos Aires was established in 1990 by Horacio Ferrer, founder and also first President of the Academy.
The Tango music has been a major symbol of Argentina for the past two centuries, one of the most significant cultural element representing a whole Nation. And that is why a strong urge of creating an National Tango Academy, which has the aim to preserve and develop this culture, was felt and shared by so many people.
The National Tango Academy is situated in Avenida de Mayo, in the Recoleta district, the very heart of Buenos Aires. The building is also home to the popular Cafè Tortoni, on the ground level.
In the National Tango Academy you may take lessons for any level: from basic to advanced, and for any period of time, since fees are per day. The National Tango Academy gives you the chance to participate to many courses, and learn this exciting dance together with local people.
In the same building there is also the World Tango Museum, where you will follow the development of this musical style across the time. In fact, items are arranged in chronological order. Among the most interesting you may admire several original records, handwritten scores and typewriters.
Puerto Madero Ecological Reserve
by admin on giu.29, 2010, under Buenos Aires Guide, Tourist Attractions, Travel Tips
In the district of Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, is the enchanting Ecological Reserve, La Reserva Ecológica de Buenos Aires, also known as Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, declared natural park in the 1980’s.
The Ecological Reserve of Puerto Madero stretches for 865 acres, that is to say 3.50 square kilometres. It was formed by waste materials that piled up over the years, and finally turned into a sample of Pampa: the fertile South American lowlands where the dominant vegetation are grassy praire and grass steppe, well famous for containing unique wildlife.
Trees are rare in the Ecological Reserve of Puerto Madero, with the exception of willows, acacias and ceibos. While as for fauna, flamingos, ducks, nutrias, parrots and egrets are in abundance.
The Ecological Reserve of Puerto Madero is an ideal place to visit when you need to take a break from the city. Many paths leading to the Ecological Reserve allow you to observe the unspoilt nature from a close perspective and enjoy some activities like cycling, birdwatching and strolling.
