In the center of the City of Buenos Aires you will find several churches that respond to the historical period. Almost all of them date from times before the 19th century, either when Buenos Aires was the epicenter of the independence revolution or when it was still part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata.
Visiting the churches of Buenos Aires is worth much more as an experience than any history book or photograph of the past. They are living testimonies about the history not only of Buenos Aires as the capital of Argentina, but also of Catholicism as a cult and power in Latin America.
In this article, we share with you the 10 churches in the Center of Buenos Aires that you cannot miss visiting. Each one has its particularities and a story to tell.
The 10 Historic Churches in Downtown Buenos Aires
Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires
Location: San Martín 27, Plaza de Mayo.
The Catedral Metropolitana, facing Plaza de Mayo, is the primary seat of the Catholic Church in Argentina. This iconic structure, standing on its sixth iteration since Buenos Aires’ second founding, reflects a history of rebuilding due to floods, fires, and structural flaws.
Its current neoclassical design, completed in 1852, is marked by a Greek temple-like facade with 12 columns symbolizing the apostles, and an interior featuring towering naves and a grand dome rising 41 meters. Declared a National Historic Monument in 1942, it remains a cornerstone of Argentina’s religious and architectural heritage.
Iglesia de San Ignacio de Loyola
Location: Bolívar 225, Montserrat.
Located in the Monserrat neighborhood and part of the Manzana de las Luces, the Iglesia de San Ignacio de Loyola is Buenos Aires’ oldest church, built by Jesuits between 1686 and 1722.
This historic site, which once served as a cathedral and military barracks during the British invasion of 1806, is known for its Baroque Bavarian influence and unique architectural features like a dome on a square drum.
The church’s original 17th-century altar, intricately carved and gilded, adds to its rich historical and spiritual significance. It was declared a National Historic Monument in 1942.
Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Monserrat
Location: Av. Belgrano 1151, Montserrat.
Nuestra Señora de Monserrat, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest parishes, traces its origins to 1754 when Catalonian settlers laid its foundation stone. The current structure, dedicated in 1865, was designed by architect Juan Manual Raffo with contributions from notable figures like Nicolás Canale.
This church, dedicated to the Catalan Virgin of Montserrat, has played a crucial role in the city’s religious life. However, due to time, vandalism, and deterioration, efforts are underway to restore the building, which now features protective netting to prevent falling masonry. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith of Buenos Aires’ Catalonian community.
Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel
Location: Bartolomé Mitre 892, San Nicolás.
The Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel holds deep significance for Buenos Aires’ Catholic community, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, protector against evil forces. The original simple structure underwent significant renovations between 1912 and 1918, adopting a Neo-Renaissance style with Corinthian columns and golden mosaics.
Its eclectic tower, originally a lookout, and the preserved hexagonal dome are key features. Inside, remnants of 19th-century murals adorn the walls, and the space was further enhanced between 1918 and 1921 with a curved apse and large wall paintings. Declared a National Historic Monument in 1983, it remains a vital part of the city’s religious heritage.
Basílica de San Nicolás de Bari
Location: Av. Santa Fe 1352, Retiro.
The Basílica de San Nicolás de Bari, dedicated to San Nicolás de Bari, stands as a significant religious and historical landmark in Buenos Aires. The original chapel, built in 1733 and reconstructed in 1767, was demolished in 1931 to accommodate urban development.
The current structure, inaugurated in 1935, embodies French Academicist style and is located on Avenida Santa Fe. Notably, this church is where the national flag was first hoisted in Buenos Aires in 1812.
The interior features a central nave flanked by side chapels, with murals, brass-adorned pews, and preserved elements from the original temple, such as the retablo and baptismal font, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich ecclesiastical heritage.
Iglesia de San Pedro Telmo
Location: Humberto 1º 340, San Telmo.
Located in the historic San Telmo neighborhood, the Iglesia de San Pedro Telmo, also known as Nuestra Señora de Belén, is one of Buenos Aires’ oldest churches. Its construction began in 1735, featuring a Latin cross plan and a magnificent dome crowning the cruciform structure.
The church’s two imposing towers, with Andalusian and Plateresque influences, were completed in the 18th and mid-19th centuries, reaching 40 meters in height. Inside, the church’s warm and majestic ambiance is enhanced by its central nave, flanked by chapels and adorned with semi-circular arches.
This temple not only serves as a place of worship but also houses a museum with artifacts over 200 years old, underscoring its historical and cultural importance.
Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa de la Santísima Trinidad
Location: Av. Brasil 315, San Telmo.
The Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa de la Santísima Trinidad, situated in San Telmo near Parque Lezama, is a stunning example of 17th-century Muscovite architectural style. Inaugurated in 1904, the church was designed by Mihail Preobrazensky and adapted by Alejandro Christophersen, one of Buenos Aires’ most prominent architects.
The church is distinguished by its five onion-shaped blue domes adorned with golden stars and Orthodox crosses, all oriented towards the east. The richly decorated interior includes several murals and icons, with a notable one dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
Funded largely by Tsar Alexander III and the local Orthodox community, this church is not only a place of worship but also a monument to the city’s diverse cultural fabric.
Basílica Santuario de Santa Rosa de Lima
Location: Av. Belgrano 2216, Balvanera.
The Basílica Santuario Nacional de Santa Rosa de Lima, located at the intersection of Avenida Belgrano and Pasco in the Balvanera neighborhood, is dedicated to Santa Rosa de Lima, the patroness of Argentina’s independence.
Constructed between 1926 and 1928, the church was designed by architect Alejandro Christophersen in a style he described as “Romanesque-Byzantine of Perigord.” The basilica, inaugurated during the 32nd International Eucharistic Congress in 1934, features an exterior of brick, granite, and stone, topped with copper domes and adorned with ornamental mosaics.
Inside, the basilica houses relics of Latin American saints, including Santa Rosa herself, and is marked by its papal symbols, reflecting its status as a national sanctuary.
Iglesia de Santa Catalina de Siena
Location: San Martín 705, Retiro.
The Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena, built in 1745, is one of Buenos Aires’ oldest and most prestigious religious sites, deeply intertwined with the nation’s colonial history. Located in the Retiro neighborhood, it was the first monastery for women in the city.
The church, marked by its classic architectural features, including a single nave and a low dome, underwent significant renovations in 1910, led by architect Juan A. Buschiazzo. Despite these changes, the church retains its historic charm, with original altars dating back to the 18th and early 19th centuries.
Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Piedad
Location: Bartolomé Mitre 1523, Balvanera.
Originally a modest chapel from the late 1700s, the current Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Piedad was rebuilt in 1866 by architects Nicolás and José Canale, later completed by Juan Antonio Buschiazzo.
The church, considered one of the most luxurious temples of its time, reflects the aspirations of a burgeoning neighborhood, blending monumental basilica elements with intricate interior details and liturgical equipment crafted by renowned artists.
Its architectural and artistic significance is complemented by its surroundings, including the historic Pasaje La Piedad, further enriching the neighborhood’s evolving character.
