Avenida de Mayo

Avenida de Mayo is a wide ceremonial avenue in Monserrat, Buenos Aires, running about a mile and a half between two national landmarks. It stretches from Plaza de Mayo in the east to the Congress building in the west, with French and Italian style facades lining both sides.

The avenue was completed in 1894 and named after the May Revolution of 1810, which marked the beginning of Argentina's path toward independence. Its opening was part of a larger plan to modernize the downtown area following the model of European capitals.

Numerous cafes line the avenue, including Cafe Tortoni from 1858 and Bar Iberia from 1897, where writers and intellectuals gather regularly.

The subway line C stops at Avenida de Mayo station in the middle of the avenue, while the older line A offers three stations along the route. Pedestrians can walk the full length in about twenty minutes or pause at different points along the way.

The Palacio Barolo built in 1923 was the first building to break the city height restriction of 24 meters (79 feet) and remained the tallest in South America for several years. Its design is based on Dante's Divine Comedy, with floors representing hell, purgatory, and paradise.

Location: Monserrat

Inception: July 9, 1894

GPS coordinates: -34.60889,-58.37861

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28