While Recoleta Cemetery remains a top destination on the sightseeing circuit, many locals and tourists ignore the largest cemetery in Argentina, La Chacarita. In the late 19th Century, when the yellow fever epidemic struck Buenos Aires, many cemeteries in the city were filled to capacity, and others (like Recoleta) refused to bury any victims of the epidemic. The only option for many city dwellers was La Chacarita, and it continued to expand immensely, eventually becoming known as Argentina's national cemetery. Sixteen times bigger than Recoleta, on the 234-acre (95-hectare) land rests influential artists, writers and actors - there are even designated British and German sections. Fun fact: Populist President Juan Perón was buried in Chacarita, even though his wife, Evita, has her gravestone in Recoleta. In 2006 his remains were moved to a mausoleum in his San Vincente.
Attractions & Landmarks, Parks, Gardens & Cemeteries
- Nearest Train: Subway B: Federico Lacroze