Manzana de las Luces
06/06/08 21:37 Filed in: Argentina | Buenos Aires
Manzana de Las Luces is a collection of buildings originally established by the Jesuits around 1621.
They are of great historical interest to Argentina and I took a tour.
Over the years parts of the compex have served many functions including housing part of the University and housing the first city council of Buenos Aires.
Original council chamber.
A large complex of tunnels was constructed under central Buenos Aires, most likely for defensive purposes. Much of the network has been destroyed by modern building works but sections still exist including these underneath Manzana de Luces. Visitors go downstairs to have a look but there is no public access to the tunnels.
Manzana de Luces - Main Courtyard
A church interior in the complex. The caption reads “Nuestra señora de covadonga patrona de asturias”.
Nearby I came across another interesting building dating from 1878. Originally El Banco De La Ciudad de Buenos Aires it is now boarded up and looking a bit sad.
The gargoyles and pillars are quite striking owe something to native south american imagery.
Historic plaque.
Gargoyle
The building is for sale and heavily stained by pollution. It badly needs attention and restoration as do many of the fine buildings here.
Another gargoyle.
This was taken around 18:00 while I was walking home. A parking lot on Avenida Corrientes in central Buenos Aires on a friday evening. There were at least 10 parking attendants waiting to to assist clients.
They are of great historical interest to Argentina and I took a tour.
Over the years parts of the compex have served many functions including housing part of the University and housing the first city council of Buenos Aires.
Original council chamber.
A large complex of tunnels was constructed under central Buenos Aires, most likely for defensive purposes. Much of the network has been destroyed by modern building works but sections still exist including these underneath Manzana de Luces. Visitors go downstairs to have a look but there is no public access to the tunnels.
Manzana de Luces - Main Courtyard
A church interior in the complex. The caption reads “Nuestra señora de covadonga patrona de asturias”.
Nearby I came across another interesting building dating from 1878. Originally El Banco De La Ciudad de Buenos Aires it is now boarded up and looking a bit sad.
The gargoyles and pillars are quite striking owe something to native south american imagery.
Historic plaque.
Gargoyle
The building is for sale and heavily stained by pollution. It badly needs attention and restoration as do many of the fine buildings here.
Another gargoyle.
This was taken around 18:00 while I was walking home. A parking lot on Avenida Corrientes in central Buenos Aires on a friday evening. There were at least 10 parking attendants waiting to to assist clients.