El Cabildo: the first city counsil
Just around the corner from the Metropolitan Cathedral, and facing the Casa Rosada, El Cabildo of Buenos Aires is an emblematic building of the city, located also in front of Plaza de Mayo, at the intersection of Bolívar and Hipólito Yrigoyen streets.
Unmistakable for its colonial style and large clock tower, it was the scene of the May Revolution and the site where the foundations of what is now the Argentinian Republic was forged.
Every time the spanish founded a city, they assigned a space in front of the city's main square, where the construction of a cabildo (city counsil) would take place. The name cabildo comes from the latin word "capitulum", which means "at the head".
The spaces for its construction were delimited by Juan de Garay (founder of Buenos Aires) in 1580, however, it was not until 1608 when its construction began.
Its definitive construction began in 1725, and from there began the rise of El Cabildo that we all know today. In 1728 the first floor was ready and in 1773 the tower appeared. At first it consisted of 2 levels and 11 arches, however, the construction of de Mayo Avenue, forced to demolish 3 arches on its north side, and the Diagonal Roque Sáenz Peña St, demolished another 3 arches on the south side.
During its lifetime the look af the Cabildo changed significantly, it wasn't until 1940 when the city went back to the original blue prints in order to bring the original facade back.
Today it houses the "National Historical Museum of the Cabildo of Buenos Aires and the May Revolution", built in 1940 and like mentioned before, respecting the shape that the building originally had. It is a space open to visitors where we can find guided tours, art shows and activities for all those interested in learning more about Argentine history!
Address: Bolivar St. 65
Web Site: https://cabildonacional.cultura.gob.ar/
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