Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
were arriving in Argentina in large numbers.
Many of these immigrants were Italian. The
southern quarter of Buenos Aires became run-
down. The lovely homes closed, as did many
businesses. Conditions remained the same for
many years until the years after the Second
World War, when artists, writers and intellec-
tuals moved into the quarter looking for inex-
pensive housing. They started to restore the old
homes, plant small gardens and open shops and
restaurants. Now the southern quarter is pic-
turesque and charming to visit - both during
the day and at night. While not trendy like
Recoleta, the
barrios
of
San Telmo
and
La
Boca
are fun to visit.
San Telmo
Because the government has protected San
Telmo by passing strict zoning and preserva-
tion laws, this
barrio
is the most historically
interesting part of the city. As you stroll along
its narrow sidewalks and cobblestoned streets
and peek into the lovely tile courtyards, you'll
see remnants of the 18th and 19th century.
Most of the area has remained unchanged since
the turn of the century. While many homes
have been renovated of late, the facades have
been retained. There are several historical
museums in San Telmo. These are described in
the
Museums
section that follows. The 20th
century is represented by famous
tanguerías
(tango parlors), jazz clubs, antique shops and a
don't-miss flea market. The
tanguerías
are
