Buenos Aires Attractions

Casa Rosada

One of the world's most famous balconies juts out of Argentina's Presidential Palace, known as the Casa Rosada. The pink building has been the scene of many a political rally, particularly during the regime of the notorious and tragic Juan and Eva Peron. The Italian style building, fronted with palm trees and fountains, was painted pink when it was converted from a Customs and Post Office building into the presidential palace. President Sarmiento decided to appease opposing political parties by merging red and white into a pink colour scheme for the palace. Today the building houses a small basement museum displaying some presidential artefacts. Each evening a small platoon of mounted grenadiers emerge from the guardhouse to lower the flag on the Plaza, adding a touch of pomp and ceremony to the pretty building.

Address: Hipólito Yrigoyen 219, Plaza de Mayo; Telephone: (0)11 4344 3802; Transport: Metro to Plaza de Mayo; Opening time: Museum: Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm, Sundays 2pm to 6pm. Guided tours are available; Admission: Free