Go on a scavenger hunt to find some of the best bits of European architecure in Buenos Aires.
Although examples have been found from prehistoric times, the earliest dome still standing dates from the Roman era. Through trial & error, Roman architects discovered that pressure from the keystone holds an arch in place… then they put a spin on it. An arch rotated 360º around its keystone becomes a dome.
Engineers love domes because they give a maximum amount of enclosed space for a minimum amount of surface area. But for most of us, regardless of placement or size, domes are built to impress.
During the 300 years from the city’s second foundation in 1580 until the 1880′s Buenos Aires remained a surprisingly humble place… a far cry from the grandiose city it is today. Early paintings & engravings of Buenos Aires, however, show one remarkable feature—church domes.
It was the beginning of a trend. By 1900 when immigration was at its peak, European-born architects brought European-inspired design with them & showered the city in domes. This singular feature makes visitors feel more like they are on the Viejo Continente rather than the New World.
Need more gorgeous examples? Check out 32 additional photos in this Facebook album for a sneak peek at more domes listed in this guide.
PDF guide
While the itinerary does not contain a complete listing of domes in Buenos Aires—a worthy but monumental task—the 75 domes selected represent a sample of the city’s finest. This map-based PDF helps you discover even more of this fascinating city. Some of its features include: a brief historical background, a quick guide to architectural styles & lots of original artwork.
Price: US $2.99 via PayPal. A link to download the PDF will appear after payment is confirmed. It’s a simple process, but be sure to hit the “Complete Transaction” button after payment to see the download link. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to open & print the file.
Duration: Spend as much time as you like. This is not a guided walk with ordered stops, & few people will want to see each & every dome. However this listing represents one fun way to explore the city.
Format: A4 landscape, 12 pages. This guide may not be redistributed, resold or reprinted.
Release date: 16 Oct 2011, updated 05 Mar 2013.
Suggestions:
- Accompany this PDF with a Guía T, available at any kiosk which sells magazines & newspapers. Besides a handy, complete map of Buenos Aires, it provides subway & bus info to reach domes that are not near the city center.
- Photographers may prefer to look for domes during the calm of Sunday mornings when the city center empties out.
- For a good starting point with a high density of domes, begin to explore from Plaza de Mayo & gradually wander west.
- Have fun & enjoy the walk!
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[...] independent travel by providing themes to explore on your own, such as the most beautiful domes of Buenos Aires guide or the upcoming survey of tile panels in [...]
[...] Robert considered several options: hiring a web designer, taking a six-month break to learn programming or hiring a programmer on a per project basis. None of those were very appealing. The second app—Domes of Buenos Aires—was close to completion when Jeff left, so the actual content (text, photos & artwork) had been finished. Unfortunately, the app version will have to wait but Robert decided to release it in a different form: an 11-page PDF. [...]
[...] you have a pretty good idea of what my past few weeks has been like. I’m working hard to get the next PDF finished which lists 75 of our favorite domes in the city. Can’t imagine why no one has done [...]
[...] for next month–will be a map-based app of what we consider over 60 of the best domes in Buenos Aires. Later we’ll focus on other historic & architectural walks in the [...]
[...] (16 Oct 2011): These are just a few of the 75 domes listed in a PDF released by Endless Mile. A unique way to explore Buenos Aires! [...]