Why the rich came here
Yellow fever hit the south of the city hard in 1871. Wealthy families moved to higher ground in the north, around Recoleta, and built their family vaults here.
Urban Tales › Buenos Aires › Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery: a city of the dead
Opened in 1822 next to a Recollect friars' church, Recoleta Cemetery became the city's most prestigious resting place after epidemics drove wealthy families north in the 1870s. Its streets of marble vaults look like a small city.
Opened1822
Vaultsabout 4,700
Next toBasílica del Pilar
Best known graveEva Perón
Hear the Recoleta Cemetery story, in the app's voice
A short preview. The full story plays on its own when you walk up to it with Urban Tales.
Three stories most visitors miss
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Evita's grave
Eva Perón is buried in the Duarte family vault, after her body had been moved around for years following the 1955 coup. Fresh flowers are usually left at the door.
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Legends in marble
Some tombs come with legends, like Rufina Cambaceres, a young woman said to have been buried alive in 1902. Treat these as legends: what's certain is the art, from angels to Art Deco doors.
TipAsk at the entrance for a map, or follow the small signs to the Duarte vault for Evita. Go early or late in the day for softer light. With Urban Tales running, the cemetery's story plays as you arrive.
Nearby landmarks
Recoleta Cemetery: common questions
Who is buried in Recoleta Cemetery?
Presidents, scientists, writers and military leaders, and most famously Eva Perón, in the Duarte family vault.
How old is Recoleta Cemetery?
It opened in 1822 as the city's first public cemetery, on land next to the Recollect friars' church.
Is Recoleta Cemetery free?
Entry rules and prices have changed over the years; check the city's official information before you go.