Alvear square

by Mariela M. Flores

Good evening. I'm Mariela and I am glad to guide you tonight.

We are in Plaza Intendente Torcuato de Alvear, between Pueyrredn
Av., Del Libertador Av., Alvear Av., Quintana Av. and Junin street. This
square its the heart of Recoleta neighbourhood. Around it, there are
many places to visit. Here we can learn about history when we visit
the Cemetery of Recoleta, watch the architecture of the buildings like
Alvear Palace Hotel, find peace in Nuestra Seora del Pilar church,
study at The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) and also shop at the
Recoleta Mall.
Alvear square it' s mistaken called but popular known: Francia
square. But Francia square is just in Front of Alvear square crossing
Pueyrredn Av.
The confusion is because the craft fair was originaly in Francia
Square.
More than 30 years ago, it was moved to this actual square, but
keeps the name of Feria Artesanal De Plaza Francia. In this beautifull
craft fair we can find little arts objects, accessories for the ladys,
objects made of leather such as bags, shoes and belts, objects
made of silver and glass, puppets, candles and of course the
traditional Argentinian object: The mate.
The fair opens on weekends and holidays, from 11 to 20.
Also in this square, we can enjoy music shows, shows with clowns
jugglery and the famous living statue.
The history of Alvear square begins in the 18 century, when the
discalced friars of the Franciscan Congregation lived in the West part
of the square.

The Pilar church was opened to the public in 1732 and in 1822, the
minister Bernardino Rivadavia opened the north cementery, today
called the Recoleta.
In the 19 century the lands of Alvear square were owned by Martn de
Altolaguirre, a distinguished botanic, who planted frutal trees and
exotic plants.
Martn Jos de Altolaguirre y Pando born in Buenos Aires. In 1791 he
had in this place, his country house call " de la Recoleta". It extended
from the river to today Callao Av.
For his knowledge, could plant many trees. The oldest one was
planted in 1791, a "ficus elstica", popular known "gomero". This tree
we can find it in front of Confitera La Biela. Its trunk has a diameter
of 7 mts, and some branches has 28 mts of length.
The others trees of the same species, are sons of this one, like the
one which is between the Palais de Glace and Quintana Av.
In 1882 the Mayor of Buenos Aires,Torcuato de Alvear ordered the
reshuffle of the square. False caves were built whith artificial lakes
but the following management command to demolish. Also in this
square banks and sources were placed, ranchs were demolished and
the streets were leveled
Alvear was the men who supported the transformation of the
Recoleta walk.
The Recoleta was one of the first public walks which had Buenos
Aires after the Parque 3 de Febrero one (inaugurated in 1874). This
idea helped the family of high class to choose this place to build there
their new palaces.
When in 1890 Alvear passed away, the Municipality decided to give to
Recoleta walk his name and build a monument.
This one was constructed between 1880 and 1887, by Jons and Juan
Laner.

It was opened in 1900. This monument is a column of drico style,

made of carrar marble.
At the top of it there is a winged statue which represents the glory.
At the bottom of it there is the Alvear bust, with 3 draws which
represent the 3 most important works of his goverment: The
inauguration of Mayo Av. in 1894, after his death, the renewed of the
paving of the City of Buenos Aires and the reshuffle of Recoleta.
Thank you all for your attention and lets continue with the tour.