I arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 30 in plenty of time to celebrate the coming of the New Year . On my first day, I explored the Plaza de Mayo and the Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires) . Plaza de Mayo is named for the date when Argentina declared its independence from Spain, May 25, 1810 . The cathedral was built on the site of the original colonial church and was completed in 1827 . The bas relief sculptures in the triangular pediment at the top of the cathedral shows the reunion of Joseph with his brothers and his father Jacob.
Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires
SOURCE: Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires, Argentina), photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 30 Dec 2010.
Inside the cathedral are many side chapels, including one dedicated to Nuestra Seí±ora de La Paz (Our Lady of Peace).
Chapel of Nuestra Seí±ora de La Paz
SOURCE: Chapel of Nuestra Seí±ora de La Paz (Buenos Aires, Argentina), photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 30 Dec 2010.
Of great importance to the people of Argentina is the mausoleum of General José de San Martin . San Martin is the national hero of Argentina and one of the liberators of Spanish South America . Born in Argentina in 1777 or 1778, he died in France in 1850 .  His remains were interred in the cathedral in 1880 . The mausoleum is also the final resting place for General Juan Gregorio de las Heras, General Tomí¡s Guido, and the Unknown Soldier of the Independence . The three statues surrounding the mausoleum represent Argentina, Peru, and Chile.
Mausoleum of General José de San Martin
SOURCE: Mausoleum of General José de San Martin (Buenos Aires, Argentina), photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 30 Dec 2010.
Since this was still Christmastime, the cathedral displayed a simple, but beautiful nativity scene.
Nativity Scene in Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires
SOURCE: Nativity Scene in Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires, Argentina), photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 30 Dec 2010.
In 1907, the floor of the cathedral was covered with Venetian style mosaics designed by Carlo Morra . In recent years, the mosaics were completely restored.
Floor Mosaics in Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires
SOURCE: Floor Mosaics in Catedral Metropolitana d Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires, Argentina), photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 30 Dec 2010.
Copyright © 2010 by Stephen J. Danko
Steve, I’m looking forward to another vacation series. What a wonderful way to spend New Year’s…in a new country. Have a great time. And, thank you for remembering me once again.
Sorry to point it out, but we have made a mistake, May 25th 1810 is the date when the “Provincias Unidas del Rio de la Plata” chose a local government for first time (Spain was invaded by Napoleon) Our Independence day is July 9th 1816