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El Zanjón de Granados: Unearthing Buenos Aires' Past

Explore Buenos Aires' hidden history beneath a 19th-century mansion. Discover tunnels, artifacts, and stories of the city's origins at El Zanjón de Granados.

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El Zanjón de Granados is an extraordinary archaeological site in the heart of San Telmo, Buenos Aires. It unveils the city's hidden history through a network of tunnels, sewers, and cisterns dating back to the 18th century, offering a unique glimpse into the origins of Buenos Aires.

A brief summary to El Zanjón de Granados

  • Monday 11 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 11 am-5 pm
  • Friday 11 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book your tour in advance, as spaces are limited and El Zanjón de Granados is a popular attraction.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven surfaces in the underground tunnels.
  • Bring cash for souvenirs or snacks, as credit card payments may not always be available.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a comprehensive tour of the site.
  • Check the weather forecast, as some parts of the tour are outdoors.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Plaza Dorrego, walk three blocks south on Defensa Street. El Zanjón de Granados will be on your left at Defensa 755. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From the Retiro bus terminal, take Metro Line C (blue line) towards 'Constitución' and get off at 'Independencia' station. Walk 6 blocks along Independencia towards Defensa street and turn right. Walk one block to Defensa 755. Alternatively, several bus lines (e.g., 24, 29, 130, 152) stop near El Zanjón on Defensa. A single metro or bus fare costs approximately AR$757 if you have a registered SUBE card. Otherwise, it costs AR$859.07.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown Buenos Aires, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Cabify) to El Zanjón de Granados at Defensa 755 is a convenient option. The ride typically costs between ARS 5,500 and ARS 11,000, depending on the distance and traffic. Be sure the driver turns on the meter, or agree on a price beforehand.

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Discover more about El Zanjón de Granados

El Zanjón de Granados offers a captivating journey into the depths of Buenos Aires' history. Located in the San Telmo district, this unique site reveals layers of the city's past, from its earliest settlements to its development into a vibrant metropolis. The story begins in the 16th century when the area was crisscrossed by creeks, providing water and shaping the landscape. One of these creeks, the Zanjón de Granados, became the namesake of this historical treasure. As Buenos Aires grew, these waterways were gradually enclosed, eventually becoming part of an underground sewer system. In 1830, Marcos Miguens, a member of Buenos Aires' elite, constructed a grand house above a portion of the covered creek. However, the house was abandoned during the yellow fever epidemic of the 1870s, transforming into a conventillo (tenement house) that housed numerous immigrant families. The property fell into disrepair until 1986, when Jorge Eckstein purchased it for a commercial project. During restoration, workers uncovered a labyrinth of underground tunnels, leading to an extensive archaeological project that lasted nearly 20 years. Today, visitors can explore these meticulously reconstructed tunnels, cisterns, and foundations, discovering artifacts dating back to the 16th century. El Zanjón de Granados is more than just a museum; it's a time capsule that brings the history of Buenos Aires to life.

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