Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pendence. At night the statue is illuminated by
an intricate lighting system that makes the
waters seem as if they are dancing.
The
National Congress Building
will
remind North Americans of the Capitol Build-
ing in Washington D.C. It was completed in
1906, designed in an Italian classical style with
Greek touches. Four stories high with a pavil-
ion at either end, it is encircled by a Corinthian
colonnade. Victor Meano, yet another Italian
architect, was responsible for the design. At the
top of the peristyle (on the portico) is a gorgeous
bronze statue of a chariot and on the corners
are winged victories with trumpets.
You can visit the interior of the Congress. If you
do, be sure to see the Senatorial Chamber and
the octagonal Salón Azul (Blue Room). It has
marble floors, baccarat chandeliers and a circu-
lar balcony, from which the dome and cupola
can be seen.
Avenida 9 de Julio/Teatro Colón
Did You Know?
This avenue is one city block wide - a
total of 425 feet across - the widest
street in the world.
Sandwiched by
Avenidas Lima/
Cerrito on the
west and
Irogoyen/Carlos
Pelligrini on the
east, 9 de Julio
has no buildings
on it.
With many small plazas running through its
center and its length of over 26 blocks, this is a
lovely place to stroll and people-watch. There
are also numerous cafés and
confiterías
along
both sides. Avenida 9 de Julio is a main artery
