Barolo Palace (Palacio Barolo)
Ave. de Mayo 1370, Buenos Aires, ARG
Once the tallest building in South America, the towering architecture of the Barolo Palace (Palacio Barolo) in Buenos Aires has stood the test of time. Built by Italian architect Mario Palanti in 1923, the building’s fanciful style was inspired by Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy, a poem in three parts that in turn represent Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
Many city sightseeing and walking tours include a stop for photographs at the Barolo Palace. Take a moment to admire the building’s central lighthouse, which looms 328 feet (100 meters) over the central boulevard of Plaza de Mayo and once shone a beacon that could be seen as far as neighboring Uruguay.
Guided tours of the palace also are available, and the undisputed highlight is a visit to the top of the tower to take in the 360-degree views spanning Plaza de Mayo, Plaza de Congreso, and much of the city.
Guided tours are held in English and Spanish; advance booking is essential and they take around 1.5 hours.
There's a small café at the top of the tower, where you can drink a coffee with a view over the city.
Due to the building’s narrow spaces and spiral staircases, the palace is not wheelchair or stroller accessible; access may also be difficult for those with reduced mobility.
Barolo Palace is located on Avenida de Mayo, just east of Plaza del Congreso. The closest metro station is Sáenz Peña (Line A), which stops right outside.
Guided tours of Barolo Palace run from Monday to Saturday between 12pm and 8pm; visit on a clear day for the best views from the top. However, the exterior of the building is visible and worth stopping at for a quick photo year-round.
Downtown Buenos Aires is dotted with impressive historic buildings. After admiring Barolo Palace, stroll over to the nearby Plaza de Congreso to see the National Congress building, completed in 1906. At the other end of Avenida de Mayo you’ll find Casa Rosada, the colonial-era Cabildo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. A few blocks away is the oldest bank in South America, Banco de la Provincia, and the opulent Teatro Colón, just north of the Obelisk.
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