The Palacio Barolo: Architecture Inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy
The Palacio Barolo is a landmark building in Argentina. Located at the end of Buenos Aires’ Avenida de Mayo, this unique piece of architecture was based on the structure and content of the 14th-century epic poem Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.
Declared a national historic monument in 1997, the Palacio Barolo was once South America’s tallest building. Whilst this is no longer the case, the building still towers above neighbouring structures and offers one of the best spots to capture panoramic views of the capital and largest city of Argentina. The building constitutes one of the largest monuments to the work of Dante Alighieri, the major Italian poet of the Middle Ages, anywhere in the world, and is a unique example of an attempt to marry literature and architecture.
Entrepreneur and Italian immigrant Luis Barolo commissioned the Italian architect Mario Palanti to design The Palacio Barolo in 1890. Believing that Europe had begun drifting towards a collapse, Luis Barolo intended the building to house the ashes of his hero Dante, away from the disintegrating doom he found in Italy. His partnership with Mario Palanti (also a Dante aficionado) resulted in a safe haven for the soul of Dante in Barolo’s adopted hometown of Buenos Aires.
Luis Barolo and Mario Palanti’s admiration for Dante can be seen throughout the entire structure of the building. The height of one hundred metres corresponds to the one hundred cantos of Dante’s work. The nine access points within the building represent the nine circles and the nine hierarchies of Hell. The still working lighthouse represents the nine angelic choirs. Over the lighthouse is the Southern Cross constellation, aligned with the actual constellation on July 9th, Argentine Independence Day. The care in the detail and reference to the Italian poet is characterised throughout the building right down to the inscriptions in Latin. The overall design structure was also based on the number most prevalent in the Divine Comedy: twenty two. The building’s twenty two floors reflect the number of stanzas in the epic poem, and the building like the work, illustrates the visitors journey through hell, purgatory and paradise as they climb their way to the top. The complex neo-classical façade and tower evoke the expressionist architecture of Spain’s Gaudí whilst also bringing to mind the best examples of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris.
English and Spanish tours are offered Monday and Thursday every hour on the hour from 4 to 7pm, and Saturdays at 5pm (with reservation). Evening tours commence at 8pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with Thursdays at 8:30pm, which includes a visit to the lighthouse and wine. Daytime tours cost $65 and the night-time tours $130. Towards the end of the tour you are taken to the dizzying heights of ‘paradise’ where you can take photographs from several balconies around the top tower. It is also possible to enjoy the views from inside of the tower without having to step outside for those uneasy with heights. More Information: Palacio Barolo Avenida de Mayo 1370 Buenos Aires Capital Federal To book a place on the Palacio Barolo tour, click here. By Helen Brady
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.
Culture Trip Spring Sale
Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.
