My Visit to Recoleta Cemetery
I have always been fascinated by cemeteries. Not only have I visited countless burial grounds, but the protagonist in my second novel, the satirical black comedy Necropolis, works for the burials and cemeteries department in his local council. Necropolis features a number of fictional cemeteries.
During my trip to Argentina earlier this month I had the opportunity to visit the world famous Recoleta cemetery in Buenos Aires.
Recoleta is filled with a dizzying array of monuments, mausoleums, statues, columns, tombstones and obelisks. On entering the burial ground visitors are greeted by the sight of this towering arch (see below), commemorating General Alvear, hero of the Argentine War of Independence.
Iconic former First Lady of Argentina, Eva Peron, is buried five metres underground in her family crypt at Recoleta. This is her plaque:
Unlike the sombre and dark traditional family crypts/mausoleums I have seen in the UK, Recoleta’s are often inviting, glass fronted structures brimming with flowers (see below). A flight of stairs leads down to the death chamber below.
Having shooed one of Recoleta’s numerous feline inhabitants away with my foot, I took this picture (see below). Note the palm tree and the pining angels clasping onto the mausoleum on the left.
Below is a picture of your esteemed author posing outside a family crypt, adorned with angels in a variety of poses.
Below is an austere, angel-free mausoleum that particularly appealed to me. I wonder if my monthly Co-operative Funeralcare plan will cover me for one of these in marble or black granite.
Another interesting burial receptacle.
Señor Donovan seemed very confident in which direction he was heading (see below).
Recoleta abounds with monuments commemorating the Generals from Argentina’s proud military past – a proud military past I was not even aware of. I made the decision it was probably advisable as an Englishman not to question the authenticity of this claim whilst in the cemetery.
Recolata is a truly remarkable and unique cemetery that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Buenos Aires. Below is an aerial shot of Recoleta, which shows the sheer scale of the facility and the diverse nature of its monuments and numerous burial receptacles.
Recoleta looks awesome. I’ll check it out if I visit Argentina. Can’t imagine your Co-operative Funeralcare plan covers marble/granite mausoleums. If they say yeah let me know and I’ll get a plan too. LOL.
I am sure you will enjoy Recoleta Trina. Will let you know about the mausoleum. Have a good weekend.
What a fascinating place. From the glass fronted jobbies I’d guess they’re still accepting burials? It isn’t that he co-op wouldn’t do you a nice mausoleum it’s just that no graveyard will accept them. Maybe you can get your back garden declared a cemetery and have one built?The co-op could do a nice run from the front door to the back in a glass carriage pulled by plumed horses.
I really enjoyed my visit to Recoleta David. It was the best thing I saw in Buenos Aires. I like the sound of your plan. If only I had a back garden.
As I’ve probably mentioned before on your blog Guy, I also have a fascination for cemeteries and this place looks captivating. Incidentally, my daughter has chosen Eva Peron as the topic for her EPQ at A level. 🙂
Eva Peron is an inspired choice of topic for EPQ at A Level Diane. Whenever I hear Peron’s name I can’t help but remember Madonna’s song, ‘Don’t Cry for me Argentina’ from the film Evita. Have a good weekend.
A fascinating place. Could clasping angels be seen as the barrio version of Essex cherubs?
The clasping angels would be mortified at the prospect of being compared to Essex cherubs. Have a good weekend.
Great tour. I am always amazed by elaborate burial plots. I guess I don’t get it. My last will be the Gulf in tiny dust particles. Have a great weekend Guy.
The Gulf in tiny dust particles sounds appealing John, but where will all your fans come to pay homage?
Homage is as close as a margarita.
I so want to visit there someday. Thanks so much for your lovely photos!
I hope you get the opportunity to Loren. Recoleta is a fascinating place. Thank you for reading my post.