Rufino De Elizalde

Rufino De Elizalde Buenos Aires: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Rufino de Elizalde’s enduring influence is woven into the very identity of Buenos Aires, Argentina. As a distinguished 19th-century statesman, lawyer, and diplomat, Elizalde was pivotal in Argentina’s unification and the negotiation of the Treaty of the Triple Alliance. Today, visitors can experience the legacy of Elizalde through a variety of historical sites—most notably Plaza Rufino de Elizalde, the elegant Rufino De Elizalde Street in Palermo Chico, and Elizalde’s final resting place in the iconic Recoleta Cemetery. Each destination offers a unique lens through which to appreciate the city’s aristocratic past, diplomatic milestones, and architectural treasures.

This detailed guide provides comprehensive, non-repetitive information on visiting these sites: practical details like visiting hours, accessibility, ticketing, and recommendations for nearby attractions; as well as cultural insights and travel tips to maximize your Buenos Aires experience. For further planning, utilize official resources such as the Buenos Aires Tourism Website, the Recoleta Cemetery guide, and the Embassy of Belgium in Argentina website. To enrich your exploration, the Audiala app offers curated audio tours highlighting Buenos Aires’ heritage.

Who Was Rufino de Elizalde?
Plaza Rufino de Elizalde: Visitor Guide
Rufino De Elizalde Street: Historical and Architectural Highlights
Recoleta Cemetery: Elizalde’s Mausoleum and Visitor Information
Mansión Tornquist: Visiting Details and Palermo Chico Insights
Essential Travel Tips & Sustainability
Emergency Contacts
References

Who Was Rufino de Elizalde?

Rufino de Elizalde (1822–1887) was an influential Argentine lawyer, politician, and diplomat. Born in Buenos Aires amidst political upheaval, Elizalde emerged as a leader in the movement against Juan Manuel de Rosas’s authoritarian regime and later contributed to Argentina’s unification. He held key positions, including Minister of the Treasury and Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Bartolomé Mitre, and played a crucial role in the 1865 Treaty of the Triple Alliance—an event that shaped South American geopolitics. Elizalde’s legacy, which extends to infrastructure modernization, is commemorated in the city’s plazas, streets, and historical memory (Encyclopedia.com; Treaty of the Triple Alliance).

Plaza Rufino de Elizalde: Visitor Guide

Visiting Hours & Accessibility

Open daily: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Admission: Free
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paved paths; close to public transportation (bus and subway).

Best Times to Visit

Visit early mornings or late afternoons for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Seasonal events and cultural activities may occur—check the Buenos Aires Tourism Website for updates.

Getting There

By Subway: The nearest station is within a short walking distance (confirm the latest transit maps for exact routes).
By Bus: Multiple lines serve the area.
On Foot: Easily accessible from central hotels.

Nearby Attractions

Palermo Neighborhood: Known for boutiques, parks, and vibrant street life.
Jardín Botánico: Buenos Aires’ botanical garden, ideal for nature lovers.
Museo Evita: Museum dedicated to Eva Perón.

Photographic Highlights

Capture the plaza’s mature trees, monuments, and gardens. Golden hour provides ideal lighting.

Rufino De Elizalde Street: Historical and Architectural Highlights

Urban Layout & Key Landmarks

Rufino De Elizalde Street, nestled in Palermo Chico, weaves through three distinctive blocks, curving around Plaza Grand Bourg and connecting with Mariscal Ramón Castilla and Alejandro María de Aguado streets (Palermonline). The street’s non-linear design and proximity to Avenida del Libertador and Bosques de Palermo create a serene, walkable environment.

Mansión Tornquist (Embassy of Belgium)

Address: Rufino de Elizalde 2830
Architectural Style: French academic, designed by Alejandro Bustillo (1930)
Current Use: Embassy of Belgium
Access: Exterior viewing only, except for rare open house events (Embassy of Belgium in Argentina website)

Casa de la Cultura del Fondo Nacional de las Artes

Address: Rufino de Elizalde 2831
Significance: First rationalist house in Buenos Aires, attributed to Alejandro Bustillo (1928)
Current Role: Cultural center with exhibitions and events
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM–6 PM; free admission (Elojodelarte)

Torre Ocampo

Location: Intersection with Ortiz de Ocampo
Highlight: 30-story residential tower (1980), exemplifying vertical urban development

Green Spaces

Plaza Grand Bourg: Houses the Instituto Sanmartiniano, a museum dedicated to General José de San Martín. Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM; check ticketing details with the institute.
Plaza Rufino de Elizalde: Offers a tranquil retreat and photographic opportunities.

Visiting Tips & Safety

Accessibility: The street and plazas are public and accessible at all times.
Guided Tours: Available via local operators, often covering Palermo Chico’s historical context.
Safety: Palermo Chico is a secure, well-maintained neighborhood, with heightened security near diplomatic sites (Solsalute).
Nearby Amenities: Upscale cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops are found along adjoining avenues. Attractions like Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and Bosques de Palermo are within walking distance (Touropia).

Recoleta Cemetery: Elizalde’s Mausoleum and Visitor Information

Historical Significance & Notable Tombs

Recoleta Cemetery, established in 1822, spans 5.5 hectares with over 6,400 elaborate mausoleums (Recoleta Cemetery Guide). It is the resting place of national icons, including Rufino de Elizalde, Eva Perón, and several presidents. Elizalde’s Art Deco mausoleum, marked by a family plaque, stands among Argentina’s historical elite.

Tickets, Hours, Accessibility & Tours

Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tickets: Free for Argentine residents; 16,100 ARS for non-residents (July 2025). Purchase at the entrance or online (Recoleta Cemetery guide).
Accessibility: Partial; cobblestone and narrow paths may require assistance.
Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages; audio guides and digital tours offered.

Nearby Attractions & Dining

Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar: Colonial church from 1732.
Plaza Francia & Feria de Artesanos: Weekend artisan market (Journey by Backpack).
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Renowned art collection (Travel and Itinerary).
Floralis Genérica: Iconic steel flower sculpture.
Cafés and Shopping: Café La Biela, luxury boutiques, and artisan stalls.

Events & Seasonality

Recoleta regularly hosts cultural events, art fairs, and open-air concerts, especially in spring and autumn (Turismo Buenos Aires).

Mansión Tornquist: Visiting Details and Palermo Chico Insights

Visiting Hours & Tickets

Regular Hours: No public access; exterior can be viewed any time.
Special Events: Occasionally open during Embassy Open House or European Heritage Days—check the Embassy of Belgium website for announcements.
Admission: Free (registration required for events).

Getting There & Accessibility

Location: Rufino de Elizalde 2830, Palermo Chico
Transport: Accessible by taxi, rideshare, bus (lines 67, 130, 92); nearest subway stations are Scalabrini Ortiz (Line D) and Las Heras (Line H).
Neighborhood: Pedestrian-friendly, safe, and well-signposted.

Photography, Etiquette, and Safety

Photography: Best in late afternoon; avoid photographing security personnel.
Accessibility: Sidewalks are generally smooth; interior access is limited.
Etiquette: Respect embassy operations; dress smart casual for events.

Practical Tips & Costs

Combine Visits: Pair with nearby museums and parks.
Budget: Exterior viewing is free; nearby museum admission ranges from ARS 2,000–3,000; public transit fares are modest.

Essential Travel Tips & Sustainability

Dress comfortably and wear walking shoes.
Bring water, especially in warmer months.
Use public transit or walk to reduce your environmental footprint.
Support local businesses in the area.
Dispose of litter properly and respect the quiet, diplomatic atmosphere of Palermo Chico.

Emergency Contacts

Police/Emergency: Dial 911
Tourist Police (English-speaking): +54 11 4346-5748
Embassy of Belgium: Contact details

Summary and Final Tips

Exploring the sites dedicated to Rufino de Elizalde in Buenos Aires reveals a multifaceted story of political history, architectural splendor, and tranquil urban spaces. Plaza Rufino de Elizalde offers a peaceful oasis with daily access and reflective monuments. Rufino De Elizalde Street immerses visitors in Palermo Chico’s architectural gems and green plazas. Recoleta Cemetery, with its impressive mausoleums, provides a profound connection to Argentina’s past. Mansión Tornquist, though not always open inside, stands as a testament to Buenos Aires’ aristocratic and diplomatic heritage.

For the richest experience, consider joining guided tours, check for special events at embassies, and leverage digital tools like the Audiala app for insightful, self-guided exploration. Stay updated with official resources for current hours and events to ensure a seamless visit.