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El Zanjón de Granados: Unearthing Buenos Aires' Hidden History

Explore subterranean tunnels and discover 400 years of Buenos Aires history at El Zanjón de Granados, a hidden gem in the heart of San Telmo.

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Descend beneath a beautifully restored 1830s mansion in San Telmo to explore El Zanjón de Granados, a captivating archaeological site revealing the city's earliest settlements. A network of tunnels, sewers, and cisterns unveils layers of Buenos Aires' past, from a 16th-century stream to a 19th-century tenement.

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 reservations are required to explore El Zanjón de Granados.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for navigating the narrow passageways and uneven surfaces within the underground tunnels.
  • Bring your camera to capture the unique atmosphere and fascinating sights of this historical site.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the San Telmo neighborhood, known for its cobblestone streets, antique shops, and vibrant cultural scene.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    El Zanjón de Granados is located in the heart of San Telmo, a historic neighborhood easily explored on foot. From Plaza Dorrego, a central point in San Telmo, walk south along Defensa Street for approximately four blocks. El Zanjón de Granados will be on your left at Defensa 755. There are no specific costs associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines (colectivos) stop near El Zanjón de Granados. Bus lines 24, 29, 130, and 152 are among those that have stops within a few blocks of the museum. From a central location like Plaza de Mayo, take any of these buses and disembark on Defensa Street near the intersection with Avenida San Juan. The minimum bus fare in Buenos Aires is approximately AR$270. Payment is made using a SUBE card, which can be purchased and recharged at various kiosks and subway stations throughout the city. A SUBE card costs around $1.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify are readily available in Buenos Aires. From a common starting point like the Obelisco, a taxi ride to El Zanjón de Granados will take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost for a taxi ride is between AR$5,500 and AR$11,000. Be sure the driver activates the meter at the start of the journey.

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Discover more about El Zanjón de Granados

El Zanjón de Granados offers a unique journey into the depths of Buenos Aires' history, hidden beneath the bustling streets of the San Telmo neighborhood. This remarkable site, located at Defensa 755, unveils the city's past through a network of subterranean tunnels dating back to the 18th century. What began as a construction project in 1985 to create a tango venue unexpectedly revealed the historical significance of the location. Beneath a beautifully restored mansion, visitors discover a labyrinth of brick tunnels, cisterns, and foundations that tell the story of Buenos Aires' evolution over centuries. Originally, the area was crisscrossed by open creeks that provided water to the early settlers. As the city expanded, these waterways were enclosed and integrated into an underground sewer system. The mansion itself, constructed around 1830 for Marcos Miguens, a member of Buenos Aires' elite, later became a tenement house. Yellow fever epidemics led the upper class to flee to Recoleta and the grand home was divided to house over 100 immigrant families. Jorge Eckstein, the site's owner, began an extensive restoration project that lasted nearly 20 years, unearthing the forgotten tunnels and transforming the space into a museum. Today, guided tours lead visitors through the tunnels, revealing artifacts and stories that bring the city's history to life. The knowledgeable guides share their passion for Buenos Aires, offering insights into the city's architecture and cultural heritage. El Zanjón de Granados is more than just a historical site; it's an immersive experience that connects visitors to the layers of Buenos Aires' past.

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