Palacio Barolo: A Dantean Journey in Buenos Aires

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Explore Buenos Aires' Palacio Barolo: a masterpiece inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, offering history, architecture, and panoramic city views.

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Palacio Barolo

Palacio Barolo, an architectural gem on Avenida de Mayo in Buenos Aires, was designed in 1923 by Mario Palanti, inspired by Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. This iconic building, once the tallest in South America, is divided into Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, offering guided tours that reveal its hidden symbolism and provide breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

A brief summary to Palacio Barolo

Av. de Mayo 1370, Buenos Aires, Monserrat, Comuna 1, Buenos Aires, C1085, AR
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Monday 10 am-10 pm
Tuesday 9 am-10 pm
Wednesday 9 am-10 pm
Thursday 9 am-10 pm
Friday 9 am-10 pm
Saturday 10 am-11 pm
Sunday 10 am-9 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Palacio Barolo.

Book tours in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves climbing stairs.
Check out the rooftop bar, Salon 1923, for a unique view and a drink.
Look up at 10 PM to see the lighthouse illuminate the night sky.

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Getting There

Walking

Palacio Barolo is located on Avenida de Mayo 1370, in the Monserrat neighborhood. From Plaza de Mayo, walk west along Avenida de Mayo for about 10 minutes. The building is easily recognizable by its unique architecture and towering presence. No costs are associated with this approach.
Public Transport

Several bus lines stop near Palacio Barolo on Avenida de Mayo. Use the SUBE card for payment; a minimum fare is approximately AR$270. The closest subway station is Piedras on Line A, a short walk from the palace. The fare is AR$757 with a registered SUBE card. Alternatively, you can pay your subway ride with your credit card.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Buenos Aires. A short taxi ride from the Obelisco to Palacio Barolo would cost approximately ARS 5,500 to ARS 11,000, depending on traffic and time of day. Ensure the driver uses the meter. Uber and Cabify are also available.

Discover more about Palacio Barolo

Palacio Barolo, located on Avenida de Mayo, is more than just a building; it's a journey through Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. Designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti and commissioned by Luis Barolo, a textile magnate, the Palacio Barolo was completed in 1923 and was the tallest building in South America for over a decade. Palanti, inspired by Dante's epic poem, divided the 22-story structure into three sections: Hell (basement to 4th floor), Purgatory (floors 5-14), and Heaven (floors 15-22), mirroring the poem's narrative.The building's height of 100 meters corresponds to the 100 cantos of the Divine Comedy, and the lighthouse at the top was designed to be visible from Montevideo, Uruguay. The Palacio Barolo is filled with symbolic details, including nine archways in the lobby representing the nine circles of hell. The building also incorporates Indian architectural influences, with the dome inspired by Hawa Mahal in Jaipur and the Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar.Guided tours are available in Spanish and English, offering visitors a chance to explore the building's architecture and learn about its hidden messages. The tours take visitors through the different sections, explaining the symbolism and history behind the design. The highlight is the panoramic view from the lighthouse, providing a 360-degree perspective of Buenos Aires. For a different experience, Salón 1923, a cocktail bar on the 16th floor, offers a way to enjoy the views with a drink.