San Ignacio de Loyola Church (St. Ignatius Church)
Bolívar 225, Montserrat, Buenos Aires, ARG
The 17th-century San Ignacio de Loyola Church is nestled in the heart of Monserrate, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods. Visually, the church makes an impression with its two towers and marble-white facade. Inside, it's awash with golden grandeur. Its temples, tunnels, and cloisters testify to centuries of history.
You can pop into the church to admire its golden altars and religious statues or take an in-depth guided tour. These tours take you to the Jusuit tunnel beneath the church, San Carlos cloisters, San Ignacio temple, and clock tower via a winding staircase. The church is often included on walking tours of Buenos Aires’ historic center, typically visiting Plaza de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Bank of Argentina.
While the main church is accessible to everyone, there are stairs and narrow passages on the church tour that might pose a challenge to those with limited mobility.
You can book your tickets online, but international credit and debit cards may pose issues in Argentina. It may be easier to pay with cash on the day.
Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip for the tour.
San Ignacio de Loyola Church is a functioning church, so keep noise levels low and cover your shoulders on entry.
San Ignacio de Loyola Church is at Bolivar 225 in Monseratte. The nearest subway station is Plaza de Mayo, which is serviced by the blue A subway line. The 28 bus stop is also nearby. To use the public transport network in Buenos Aires, you’ll need to buy a Subte card from the blue-and-yellow kiosks called loteria.
San Ignacio de Loyola Church is open Monday through Sunday between morning and early evening. Guided tours of the church typically take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 4pm and 6pm. Buenos Aires is hottest and busiest in January and February, so visit in other months for more comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.
San Ignacio de Loyola Church is a great starting point for a day of sightseeing. Five minutes away on foot, you’ll find Plaza de Mayo, the capital’s main square. Its centerpiece is Casa Rosada, the rosy-hued presidential palace, in front of which an enormous Argentine flag billows. The colonnaded Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires is also on the square, as are several coffee shops that serve classic empanadas bursting with juicy steak.
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