Ghost Tower: La Boca's Enigmatic Landmark
Explore the eerie beauty of Buenos Aires' Ghost Tower in La Boca, an abandoned architectural relic with a mysterious past and stunning city views.
The Ghost Tower, officially located at Wenceslao Villafañe 361 in the La Boca neighborhood of Buenos Aires, is a striking, if eerie, landmark. Also known as Torre de los Ingleses, this unfinished high-rise stands as a testament to the city's architectural legacy. Originally intended as a luxury residential building in the early 20th century, the project was abandoned, leaving behind a skeletal structure that has captured the imagination of locals and tourists alike. The tower's Catalan modernist design, characterized by ornate details, is said to be designed by architect Guillermo Álvarez and was commissioned by María Luisa Auvert Aurnaud, who planned to sell the apartments. However, she was so smitten with the building that she moved in instead. Legend has it that she decorated the building with exotic plants and psychedelic mushrooms, and soon after, her servants began to mysteriously disappear. Another legend says that an artist who later used the tower as a studio supposedly threw herself to her death from one of its windows. Locals attribute the strange occurrences to gnomes that entered the tower with the plants. Today, the Ghost Tower offers stunning urban views, and the contrast between the tower and the colorful houses of Caminito makes for breathtaking photographs. The surrounding area is rich with culture, art, and history, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll after visiting this extraordinary site. Tourists are encouraged to explore the vibrant street art and local eateries that capture the essence of Argentine culture. Whether you're an avid photographer or a history buff, the Ghost Tower promises a memorable experience in the heart of Buenos Aires.
Local tips
- Visit during the golden hour for stunning sunset views and optimal lighting for photographs.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the area involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Caminito street for a full cultural experience of La Boca.
- Bring a camera to capture the unique architecture and surrounding street art.
A brief summary to Ghost Tower
- Wenceslao Villafañe 361, Buenos Aires, La Boca, Comuna 4, Buenos Aires, C1160, AR
Getting There
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Walking
If you're already in La Boca, start from Caminito, the colorful street and tourist hotspot. Walk south on Caminito until you reach Avenida Almirante Brown. Continue straight, then turn left onto Wenceslao Villafañe. Walk a few blocks, and you'll see the Ghost Tower on your right. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Public Transport
From the main area of La Boca, take bus line 29 or 64. Locate the nearest bus stop on Avenida Almirante Brown. Get off at the stop closest to Wenceslao Villafañe. Walk towards Wenceslao Villafañe, and the Ghost Tower will be a short walk from the bus stop. A SUBE card is required for bus fare, approximately 50 ARS, and can be purchased at kiosks around the area.
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Taxi/Rideshare
For a direct route, use a taxi or rideshare service like Uber. Enter the address Wenceslao Villafañe 361, C1160AEG, Buenos Aires. The ride from within La Boca should take around 5-10 minutes, costing approximately 200-300 ARS.
