Palacio Piria, Ensenada, Italian-style palace in Punta Lara, Argentina.
Palacio Piria is a three-story palace in Italian Renaissance style located in Punta Lara, built on extensive grounds along the coastal road. The structure displays classical European features with high rooms, decorative details, and a design that once reflected the importance of its owners.
Luis Castells began construction in 1890, and his son completed the project between 1907 and 1910 as a sign of the family's wealth. This period coincided with a time of rapid economic growth in Argentina, when such buildings demonstrated their owners' prosperity and ties to European culture.
The building reflects the tastes of early 20th-century Argentine high society, who valued European architecture as a sign of wealth and sophistication. You can still see the ornate rooms and elaborate finishes that show how the wealthy families of that era lived.
The palace is not open to the public and stands in deteriorated condition due to decades of vacancy. Local groups occasionally organize tours, so it is worth inquiring beforehand about any possible visits.
The estate was originally surrounded by dense woodland and sat far from urban development, sitting alone in a rural setting. Today it stands amid residential buildings and city growth, showing how dramatically the area has transformed over a century.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
