Fernández Anchorena Palace, Neoclassical palace in Recoleta, Argentina.
The Fernández Anchorena Palace is a pale beige stone palace on Avenida Alvear in Recoleta, completed in 1909 to a design by Eduardo Le Monnier. Its central section projects forward beneath a dark domed roof with a lantern and thin spire, and a curved balcony with black wrought-iron railings wraps around an upper floor. The ground level has rusticated stonework, a large arched entrance and curved colonnaded wings with round columns and a balustrade above; the facade is clad in símil piedra París, now under layers of paint.
The building was completed in 1909 by architect Eduardo Le Monnier and served as the presidential residence from 1922 to 1928 under Marcelo Torcuato de Alvear. After this period, the structure took on different roles and purposes.
The palace reflects the architectural preferences of wealthy Buenos Aires society, who favored European designs for their residences. The rooms were used for social gatherings and ceremonies by the city's elite, showing how important such spaces were for their way of life.
The palace stands on Avenida Alvear in Recoleta and serves as the Apostolic Nunciature, so it is not open to visitors. Its facade can be seen from the public sidewalk, where the central dome, curved balcony and colonnaded wings are visible. The surrounding blocks are served by city buses and the nearby subway line.
The building was never used as a residence by its original owners, the Fernández-Anchorena family, even though it was built for them. Instead, it served from the start as a venue for receptions and celebrations rather than daily living.
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