El Zanjón de Granados, Eastern Argentina Travel Guide

El Zanjón de Granados offers a captivating journey through Buenos Aires' history, hidden beneath the bustling streets of the San Telmo neighborhood. This unique site, located at Defensa 755, reveals layers of the city's past, from its first settlements in the 16th century to the present day.The story begins with a stream, the Tercero del Sur (also known as Zanjón de Granados), which once flowed through the area. In 1580, Juan de Garay established the city's southern border along this stream. Over time, the stream was channeled into underground tunnels. The property above evolved, with Marcos Miguens constructing a mansion in 1830. However, the yellow fever epidemic of the 1870s led to the abandonment of the house by its wealthy owners, and it eventually became a tenement (conventillo), housing numerous immigrant families.In 1985, Jorge Eckstein purchased the abandoned property with the intention of turning it into a restaurant. During the restoration process, workers uncovered a network of long-forgotten tunnels and foundations. This accidental discovery transformed the project into an extensive archaeological excavation, revealing a wealth of artifacts and architectural remnants from different periods. Today, visitors can explore these meticulously reconstructed tunnels, cisterns, and foundations, gaining insight into the lives of those who shaped Buenos Aires. The site includes courtyards and a watchtower, offering a comprehensive view of the city's evolution.