This mid-18th-century town hall building houses an interesting museum largely dedicated to the revolution of May 1810, when Argentina declared independence from Spain. Exhibits cover the history of the Cabildo during colonial times (when it was also a prison) through to the British invasions of 1806–07 and independence three years later. There are good views of Plaza de Mayo from the 2nd-floor balcony.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Buenos Aires attractions

1. Catedral Metropolitana

0.09 MILES

The city's main Catholic church, finished in 1827, is a significant religious and architectural landmark, where Jorge Bergoglio (now known as Pope Francis…

2. Plaza de Mayo

0.09 MILES

Surrounded by the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo and the city’s main cathedral, Plaza de Mayo is the place where Argentines gather in vehement protest or…

3. La Librería de Avila

0.11 MILES

The city's oldest bookstore – there has been a bookshop on this historic corner site since 1785 – has a number of rare and antique texts as well as recent…

4. Iglesia San Ignacio de Loyola

0.12 MILES

The city’s oldest church, the Iglesia San Ignacio de Loyola (1734), was originally built in adobe in 1661 and has been rebuilt or remodeled several times…

5. Farmacia de la Estrella

0.13 MILES

The Farmacia de la Estrella (1835) is a functioning homeopathic pharmacy with gorgeous woodwork and elaborate late-19th-century ceiling murals depicting…

6. Museo de la Ciudad

0.14 MILES

This small museum was closed for ongoing renovations at the time of research, but in the future you should expect exhibitions on porteño life and history…

7. Manzana de las Luces

0.15 MILES

In colonial times, the Manzana de las Luces was Buenos Aires’ most important center of culture and learning, and today the block still symbolizes…

8. Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires

0.15 MILES

This public high school established in 1863 is one of Argentina's most prestigious and counts four former presidents among its alumni.