Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Palermo Park
Inaugurated in 1875, this has been a favorite
weekend getaway ever since. The land was once
uninhabited marshlands. Fortunately for
porteños
, the dictator Juan Manuel de Rosas
(who ruled for 30 years) decided to drain the
area and build a palatial home on it. He had
orange and magnolia trees planted as well as
various exotic plants. After Rosas was over-
thrown in 1852, the property lay idle until Pres-
ident Sarmiento decided to turn it into a public
park. The area was redesigned, filled with
beautiful monuments and sculpted figures
(most are gifts to the Argentine people from for-
eign countries) and opened by President
Avellaneda.
Head to the park
during the week
to avoid the
crowds.
The grounds are large, with five lakes and
grassy fields for sunning, picnicking and soccer
games. There are jogging and bicycling paths.
You can rent bicycles near the park entrance
and small rowboats or pedal crafts for a tour of
the lakes.
Some spots within the park are particularly
lovely. Look for the
Patio Andaluz
, also called
the Garden of Carnations. This small courtyard
is lit by colonial lamps and has a central foun-
tain surrounded by benches decorated with
Spanish tiles.
The court was a
gift from the city
of Seville,
Spain.
The
Rosaleda
(Rosedale) is an elegant rose
garden in the center of the park. The entire
area is filled with beautiful sculpture and there
are small, romantic tea rooms.
