Palacio Barolo
A century-old office building completed in 1923, designed after Dante's Divine Comedy. A lighthouse at the top offers 360-degree views over May Avenue and the Congress dome.
Palacio Barolo was designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti. When it was completed, it was the tallest building in South America, at about 100 meters. Its structure corresponds to the Divine Comedy. The ground-floor lobby is Hell, floors 1 to 14 are Purgatory, and floors 15 to 22 are Paradise. The lighthouse at the top symbolizes God and heavenly light. The lobby dome, bronze doors and inscriptions contain many metaphors. The building can only be entered on a guided tour, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, is conducted in Spanish or English and includes a climb to the lighthouse. Night sessions with city views are also available. You must book in advance on the official website, and ticket prices are adjusted for inflation. It is located at 1370 Avenida de Mayo, a two-minute walk from Sáenz Peña station on Subway Line A, and it is on the same route as Café Tortoni and the Congress building.
Opening hours
Guided tours by reservation only, day and evening sessions
Nearby sights
- Palace of the Argentine National Congress
- Obelisco de Buenos Aires
- Café Tortoni
- Teatro Colón
- Buenos Aires Cabildo
- Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
- Palacio de Aguas Corrientes
- Plaza de Mayo / Casa Rosada