By Helga Sturzenegger, WFTGA Member

Thanks to the Cultour Card, I recently enjoyed free access and a guided tour of Recoleta Cemetery, one of Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmarks. Often compared to Père Lachaise in Paris, Recoleta stands out as a place where Argentine history and funerary art converge in a setting of remarkable beauty and symbolism.

Like Père Lachaise, Recoleta is not only a resting place for the departed but also a cultural and artistic monument. Both cemeteries serve as silent witnesses to national identity—open-air museums that reflect societal values, artistic trends, and political milestones across generations. While Père Lachaise may be better known internationally, Recoleta holds equal cultural significance for Argentina, with its unique blend of European-inspired architecture and Latin American legacy.

What makes Recoleta especially accessible is that guided tours are free and offered regularly. I had the exceptional luck of being led by Fabián Tommarello, president of AguiTBA (Asociación de Guías de Turismo de Buenos Aires)—a true insider’s experience that felt like a red carpet moment. @tommy0403 @aguitba

The cemetery itself is a narrative carved in stone: from military leaders and writers to Nobel laureates and former presidents, the names engraved here tell the story of Argentina. One of the most visited tombs is that of Eva Duarte de Perón, not only Argentina’s former First Lady but a deeply polarizing and enduring national figure whose life and legacy continue to spark dialogue and devotion.

Architecturally, Recoleta is a marvel. The mausoleums—ranging from Neoclassical to Art Deco and Art Nouveau—are masterpieces of funerary art, many created by leading sculptors and architects of their time. Every alley reveals a new layer of Argentina’s complex and rich heritage.

If you’re traveling with your Cultour Card, don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unforgettable site. It’s more than a cemetery—it’s a window into the soul of a nation.